Support Jolene & Alex Christensen

On January 14 in the early morning my brother Mike suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at his home.   Luckily his wife Jolene was there and able to get a 911 call ASAP.  He was transported to VDMC and then life flighted to Mercy Medical in Des Moines, IA.  He spent 6 days in ICU and is now on the neuro floor where he will stay for an undetermined time.  Mike has made good progress but has a long way to go.  He currently has no movement on his left side and his swallow reflex is very week.  The plan is to insert a feeding tube into his colon so that he will receive more nutrition and get the other tube out of his throat so that they can begin to strengthen his swallow reflex.  Mike was sitting in a chair yesterday for the first time. Another milestone.  He is speaking, but of course those that know him, know that even a stroke can't silence him. Jolene has not left DM.  She stayed with Mike in the ICU those first scary days.   She was able to camp out in the waiting area and get little sleep in his room.   Since Mike was moved to the neuro floor on January 20 Jolene has only had a bed in a hotel 3 nights.   This hospital has no long term family stay facilities or even a family room with recliners or sofa to crash on.  (I was in this family room and wouldn't let my dog sleep on the floor). The only close hotel is $85+ with medical card.   Even sacrificing a bed there are plenty of daily costs when living away from home.  I know personally how daily cafeteria meals add up.  Their daughter Alex, is attending school at U of I and tries to visit a couple times a week so her gas is also an added expense, Jolene never complains and keeps carrying on.  She had intentions of going back to work this week as she has used all her vacation and sick leave, but the therapist's have noticed how much progress Mike makes each day and have told her it is because she is working with him and is also a very calm presence for him.   There will be astonomical medical bills to come but for now I ask that you support the immediate expenses of Jolene and Alex so that they can spend their love and energy in helping Mike heal and not worry about the money going out.  Your donations will be used for:  lodging, food, travel, Jolene's unpaid leave.    The future is unknown but the family hopes and prays that Mike will be transferred closer to home for his rehab soon. If you wish to help by sending cards or gifts of love and support: Mercy Hospital 1111 6th Ave Des Moines, Ia  50314-2611 Michael Christensen  Rm # 698 TIA for all the continued love, prayers, and support for my family.