Support for Wayne Files Jr. Stroke Care & Recovery

On December 26th, 2022, our dad ( Wayne Files Jr) suffered a massive stroke caused by a very large blood clot in his brain. The entire right side of his brain was severely damaged and dad required brain surgery to remove half his skull. This surgery allowed his brain to swell without causing damage to the viable left side. His skull was placed in his abdomen with the hopes it can be put back later on. We haven't reached this milestone yet and dad wears a helmet to protect his brain.

Dad spent about 25 days in ICU addressing a multitude of medical needs. He was intubated for a good portion of that time frame. When extubation failed dad got a Tracheotomy, which is still in place. Dad also has a feeding tube because he is unable to drink/eat by mouth.

On January 20th, Das was transferred to an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital where he is receiving intensive therapy. Dad's stroke caused a lot of damage. He lost mobility to the left side of his body, isn't swallowing correctly, and his vision and speech are different as well. He is requiring multiple people to assist in getting him anywhere and getting him through his therapy sessions. Things like sitting up straight or even holding his head up are not easy for dad and his brain needs to relearn how to do basic things properly.

Dad has a very long journey ahead of him and his continued recovery is not going to be easy. We are doing our best as a family to support dad by loving him deeply and learning alongside him in his therapy sessions. Dad wants to be home and we want him home. We currently have an estimated discharge date but the next few weeks will determine if that will hold true. What we do know is that whenever dad does make it home, he is still going to require 24/7 care and be driven to full-day therapy sessions 5 days a week. Mom is going to need specific equipment to get dad around safely and a few renovations done inside the home to accommodate dads needs.

Unfortunately, insurance doesn't cover everything he will need.

Mom is also faced with obstacles in keeping dads medical insurance. Very soon, her out-of-pocket expense is going to increase to an outrageous amount, This is such a financial burden on top of losing dad's income altogether.

It s not easy creating this gofundme and sharing sensitive information about dad. It is not easy accepting this new reality for dad when all we want is to go back to Christmas day and live in that moment with him again. We are all trying to be as positive as we can, celebrating the tiniest bit of progress dad makes, but the unknown of what the future holds for him is heavy on our hearts.

We are doing our very best to come together as a family and provide help to mom and dad. We are all learning as we travel through this unforeseen season of life and appreciate any support you feel inclined to provide.

If you believe in prayer, please pray for dad's recovery and healing. Pray for mom's comfort and help in finding hope again.

Dad is still hesitant with visitors seeing him in his current state, but we are happy to pass along any words of encouragement. He is going to have good days and bad days with therapy. He needs all the uplifting he can get to keep him motivated to keep fighting.

If you feel inclined to donate, it will go towards insurance expenses, home renovations and necessary home equipment for dad's care.

Thank you,

Bobbi, Stephanie, Missy and Amy