Thanksgiving Day 2025 became one of the hardest days for our family. Jay Michael, a documentary producer, woke up not feeling well and tried to rest, but when he got up for our Thanksgiving meal, his legs could not sustain him and he slipped to the carpet. Edith was unable to help him stand and had to call 9-1-1 for lift assistance. When the fire department paramedics arrived, they evaluated him and said he was having a stroke. The ambulance EMTs agreed, and he was taken to the local ER. Doctors determined he needed to be transferred to a hospital in another city, and he was transported via helicopter an hour away. Jay Michael stayed in the ICU for a couple of days and then moved to a regular room on the neurological floor. Tests showed he had suffered a stroke that affected mostly his left side. He spent a week in the hospital and then moved to an inpatient physical therapy facility for another week. He finally was able to come home, but his life has changed ever since.

Even though each day he gains a little bit of his old self, it has been a difficult and long road. He has had to learn how to maneuver around the house on a wheelchair and with the use of a walker. His ability to walk and move his legs and arms are still a work in progress. It has taken months to gain his speech back. As a documentary producer, not having his voice back for narrating has affected and limited the type of work he is able to do. There are good days and bad days. It was an accomplishment for him to walk from the car to the post office counter to mail a package with the aid of the walker. However, there are some days that walking from the bedroom to the kitchen takes a herculean effort due to pain. Some days it is hard to concentrate on watching TV or moving around the house. The medical bills (ambulance, hospital, helicopter, tests, mobility equipment) and out-of-pocket expenses add up and have taken a toll on the finances. The insurance helped some but unfortunately does not cover some of the expenses.

It is hard to ask for help when you’ve always been independent and self-reliant, but we’re asking for your assistance. Anything helps, both for medical bills and general life. No matter how big or small your contribution is, it is truly appreciated. Sharing the link is just as helpful! Thank you so much for your time..