Support Ken's Recovery from Heart Surgery

On January 9, Ken felt severe pain in his back and collapsed in the New Seasons parking lot in Tualitan. Seeing he was in distress, a concerned group of people gathered around him, asking if he was okay. "Call 911!", was his immediate response.

Ken was rushed to ER where they determined he had experienced an aortic dissection. The tear occurred in the upper part of his aorta, where blood leaves the heart. There was also damage to the lower aorta, where blood was pooling in the aortic wall. He was immediately transferred from Legacy Meridian in Tualitan, to Legacy Emanuel in Portland for emergency open heart surgery.

During the more than 6 hour procedure, they repaired his upper aorta, and were relieved to find that blood was no longer building up in the walls of his lower aorta. Blood flow to his right leg and kidney returned to normal, which was a concern.

After almost a week in ICU and cardiac care recovery, making generally good progress, Ken was released to go home and is now slowly trying to get better. He's staying at our mom's house in Salem, and we (Devin and Lowell — Ken's brothers) have been taking care of his daily needs. His journey hasn't been without its ups and downs, but has steadily moved in the right direction. He's upbeat, and anxious to get better.

Recovery from open heart surgery is expected to take at least 8 weeks. During this time the medical team has ordered him to not lift anything over 10 lbs, as well as restrict movement in his upper body and arms in order to avoid damaging the large, healing incision in his chest. Currently, he requires assistance getting up, but is moving around with the aid of a walker. He will be unable to work or drive, and will be going through physical therapy to help him get back to normal.

As a self-employed mobile music instructor, not being able to work and interact with his students is having an impact both on his mental well-being as well as his ability to take care of his financial commitments. We are doing what we can to help alleviate any stress he is feeling so he can focus on healing. The out-of-pocket cost of emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, specialists, ongoing therapy, and additionally the loss of income is anticipated to be in the $30,000+ range.

The outpouring of love and support from friends and family has been overwhelming and has helped lift his spirits — please keep the messages coming! As his brothers, it warms our hearts to read all your kind words and know he's part of such a wonderful community of friends. Ken has always been a giving and generous friend, teacher, mentor, and brother. If you're finding it within your means to help him here, please do.

Thank you!