Help Keith Fight Life Threating Infection

If you know my brother Keith or our family, you know Keith decided at a young age to take care of himself physically. From that one decision, Keith has been running and lifting weights ever since, never looking back. That was over 40 years ago. 

So a few months ago,  when Keith’s right shoulder started hurting, he did what we were raised to do, “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work.” Unfortunately, this suck-it-up attitude was no match for a freak infection that had mysteriously entered his body. What he was told was likely a torn rotator cuff, turned out to be a life threatening strep infection that had eaten a hole through the pectoral muscle, seated itself next to his heart, on top of his lungs, and then traveled down his rib cage, filling his chest wall. He was within days of death and we didn't even know it.

After a lengthy surgery, 2 weeks in cardiac ICU, tons of meds, and 10 days in a rehab facility, they sent him home with a pic line for antibiotic injections, a bag hanging out of his rib cage still draining the infection, and him in need of around the clock care.

The current prognosis is he may be able to return to work after the new year. 

Keith is a Teacher at Forte Junior High in Azle, TX. He has used all of his sick leave and has gotten his last full paycheck until he has been back to work for 2-4 weeks. Cassandra, Keith's wife, is also a teacher with Azle ISD and is working a second job, trying to maintain their home, advocating for Keith with doctors, while also fighting the insurance company for his short-term disability. Suffice it to say, they and we need help.

Medical bills are stacking up, the mortgage and household expenses don't stop when you get sick. Adding to their stress is also, 2 large trees in their yard, threatening their home (several large limbs have fallen causing fence damage) and their neighbors property.

Here are some ways help is needed:

1. Pray! God has already answered so many of our prayers, and we give Him ALL the glory!

2. Meals - gift card for restaurants, groceries, or if you’re local, homemade is much appreciated.

3. If you are able, financial assistance. At this point, anything and everything is helpful. With Keith being off of work for several months and needing ongoing care, the need is great.

If you feel led to help financially, here is how donations will be utilized:

- Daily medication, some of which insurance doesn’t cover- minimum $100/ weekly.

- Household expenses.

- Travel expenses to and from doctors, specialists and therapy appointments, sometimes multiple appointments weekly.

-Meals for Keith and family.

-Removal of the tree that must come down before it causes more costly damage.

Thank you for your support,

Gary