SUPPORT Kim Thompson in HIS critical time of need
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Please SUPPORT Kim V. Thompson, Sr. and Family in HIS critical time of need: Help a man that has given so much and championed so many so they may succeed and achieve their dreams.
Kim, the gentle-man and friend:
Standing 6’8”, Kim’s presence is always seen, but more importantly, it is felt through the enormous time and attention he has given to others. Over the years, Kim has helped young people become successful in their journeys meeting life’s challenges. He has encouraged and supported countless youth and peers giving generously of his time and money.
Kim always felt the desire to make a difference in the lives of others, as he credited the coaches and professors at Central Michigan University , and especially his parents, for taking the time to invest in him. It is in this spirit, grounded in his Catholic faith, involvement with the Mt Vernon Columbus Club, and as a lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. that he has emulated what others did for him by helping others too, wherever and whenever he could.
Kim volunteered countless hours coaching youth basketball and football. While running his own business, he also served as a substitute teacher for 5 years for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), requesting and being depended on by FCPS to teach the hard to reach kids whenever possible. No doubt that the staff and students after 5 years of being greeted by Kim in the halls of Chantilly High School miss seeing him there now.
For years, Kim served as: Lee District Basketball Association House Director and Select Travel Coach, Lee Franconia Football Coaches Commissioner and Coach, and Alexandria Kings AAU Basketball Coach (10U, 13U, 14U). Over the years, he has taught and mentored countless youth who were at-risk or just needed a trusted ear to listen. He also taught at Fairfax County Public Schools Adult Education program, Northern Virginia Community College, and coached basketball at Maret School.
Kim is a humble man who has supported so many student-athletes, extended family, friends, associates, and, of course, family over the past 3 decades. Now, he needs our support. Please read on…
Kim’s health issues and the insurance/financial challenges:
A cancer survivor since 2010, Kim suffered a stroke in December 2019 just before Christmas after a medical procedure, and was airlifted to INOVA Fairfax Hospital where heroic measures were taken to restart his heart and repair one of his carotid arteries. He barely survived the ordeal and began rehabilitation and finally returned home only to suffer a second stroke over July 4th weekend in 2020. The rehabilitation journey has been long and arduous. The following months were filled with a difficult rehabilitation regime, complicated by both swallowing and digestive issues. With the incredible support of his family, his wife, Traci, and 3 sons -- Tylar (23), KT (19), Jai (16)-- Kim was finally able to return home again in December 2020, where his family has tirelessly taken care of him ever since.
In early February, Traci found out that Kim’s and the family’s health insurance policy was no longer covered under the group rate for FCPS employees once Kim was placed on long term disability. Correspondence for this change only went to Kim's FCPS email which he was too sick to check and to which Traci had no access. They found out when the medical bills began pouring in and showed no insurance coverage. This monthly insurance premium had skyrocketed by more than 5 times the original amount to $2300 per month. Efforts have been made to secure disability status, but because of the COVID pandemic, the resolution of his application will take an additional 4 months - at best – to get resolved.
On March 11, 2021 tragedy struck again. While spending time watching college basketball with his son, Jai (16), he suffered a 3rd and 4th stroke and several seizures in his home. Jai quickly called his mom and 911. Kim was taken by ambulance to Mt Vernon INOVA Critical Care Unit where he was resuscitated and in critical condition. On March 12, 2021, Kim was transferred to the ICU at INOVA Mt Vernon Hospital. He is conscious now, but again having swallowing difficulties, suffering from pneumonia, and is very weak.
The past 15 months have been incredibly stressful and draining for Kim, Traci and their sons, with tremendous lows and harrowing experiences as summarized above. During any normal period of time, this would be more than overwhelming and exhausting for any family; but we are still in a pandemic, and the isolation that has accompanied their struggles, worry, and stress has been much more than overwhelming. We don’t know what Kim’s quality of life will be once he finally returns home again, but we do know that it will be a long road of recovery for him. We ask you to join the many who are already praying fervently for Kim’s recovery through this incredibly trying and often scary journey, and for his family’s continued faith and fortitude, as they face the days and weeks and months ahead. Let us pray also that we will do all we can to help them in this great time need. Which brings us to…
PLEASE SUPPORT this GoFundMe: We are establishing this GoFundMe page because Kim’s recovery will be a long and grueling journey that will cost thousands of dollars. The mounting medical bills with each passing day that Kim is in the ICU are an overwhelming stress. We are imploring all who read this to give any amount you can to financially support the Thompson Family – no donation is too small; no donation is too generous. Traci has already taken out $80,000 from her 401K to pay for medical bills and daily expenses. Now with Kim back in the hospital with no insurance, the bills are soaring with no actionable way to pay for them.
Money from this GoFundMe will pay for:
1. Medical bills, hospital and doctor services, medications, etc.
2. Rehabilitation, acute care, and both long-term and short-term care.
3. Family needs/bills that cannot be covered due to lost income.
Prayers and practical support: Any amount you may donate is appreciated. This journey has been long and both emotionally and financially draining for Kim and his family. If we - his friends, extended family, colleagues, business associates, and anyone who’s life has been enriched just by knowing Kim - can support them financially, some of the monetary worry and stress can be alleviated while they try to heal emotionally and continue to support and provide Kim what he needs on his road to recovery.
Thank you in advance for all you will do for Kim, Traci and their sons!
With warmest regards,
Mary-Kay Davidson-Taylor
P.S. In anticipation of some questions you may have if you are not familiar with who I am and to know that this request for donations is a legitimate need, I’ve also provided the information below.
1. How do you know Kim?
I am a family friend and have known Kim, Traci, Tylar, KT, and Jai for 15 years since our middle sons became best friends in Kindergarten. Through the years he’s been a trusted friend and integral influence directly and indirectly in my sons’ lives. I know I am but one of many to witness and benefit from his thoughtful counsel and giving nature.
2. How can I reach Mary-Kay with questions?
Send a message via GoFundMe and she will respond right away.
3. How will the funds be spent?
Funds will be managed and spent by Traci to support Kim, pay medical bills, and support their family in this time of need. All money donated will be deposited straight into an account that belongs to Kim and Traci and 100% of the money will benefit Kim, Traci, and their 3 sons. No one else will touch the money or have access to it.
4. Are there ways to help that does not have to do with money?
YES! Please PRAY! Pray for the following:
a) Kim has no more strokes
b) Kim is able to swallow with no problems
c) Kim does not develop any blood clots in his arms and legs as a result of being immobile
d) Traci has strength to guide her sons and help her husband recover while working full time and that she take a little time for herself to just breathe
e) Their sons -- Tylar, KT, and Jai -- have the strength to talk with someone about the stress of watching their dad go through this incredibly challenging ordeal and that their faith will provide comfort and hope during this time and in the future
f) God holds the Thompson family in His loving arms and that their worry and despair gets relieved and they feel His ever-present love and strength always.
Kim, the gentle-man and friend:
Standing 6’8”, Kim’s presence is always seen, but more importantly, it is felt through the enormous time and attention he has given to others. Over the years, Kim has helped young people become successful in their journeys meeting life’s challenges. He has encouraged and supported countless youth and peers giving generously of his time and money.
Kim always felt the desire to make a difference in the lives of others, as he credited the coaches and professors at Central Michigan University , and especially his parents, for taking the time to invest in him. It is in this spirit, grounded in his Catholic faith, involvement with the Mt Vernon Columbus Club, and as a lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. that he has emulated what others did for him by helping others too, wherever and whenever he could.
Kim volunteered countless hours coaching youth basketball and football. While running his own business, he also served as a substitute teacher for 5 years for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), requesting and being depended on by FCPS to teach the hard to reach kids whenever possible. No doubt that the staff and students after 5 years of being greeted by Kim in the halls of Chantilly High School miss seeing him there now.
For years, Kim served as: Lee District Basketball Association House Director and Select Travel Coach, Lee Franconia Football Coaches Commissioner and Coach, and Alexandria Kings AAU Basketball Coach (10U, 13U, 14U). Over the years, he has taught and mentored countless youth who were at-risk or just needed a trusted ear to listen. He also taught at Fairfax County Public Schools Adult Education program, Northern Virginia Community College, and coached basketball at Maret School.
Kim is a humble man who has supported so many student-athletes, extended family, friends, associates, and, of course, family over the past 3 decades. Now, he needs our support. Please read on…
Kim’s health issues and the insurance/financial challenges:
A cancer survivor since 2010, Kim suffered a stroke in December 2019 just before Christmas after a medical procedure, and was airlifted to INOVA Fairfax Hospital where heroic measures were taken to restart his heart and repair one of his carotid arteries. He barely survived the ordeal and began rehabilitation and finally returned home only to suffer a second stroke over July 4th weekend in 2020. The rehabilitation journey has been long and arduous. The following months were filled with a difficult rehabilitation regime, complicated by both swallowing and digestive issues. With the incredible support of his family, his wife, Traci, and 3 sons -- Tylar (23), KT (19), Jai (16)-- Kim was finally able to return home again in December 2020, where his family has tirelessly taken care of him ever since.
In early February, Traci found out that Kim’s and the family’s health insurance policy was no longer covered under the group rate for FCPS employees once Kim was placed on long term disability. Correspondence for this change only went to Kim's FCPS email which he was too sick to check and to which Traci had no access. They found out when the medical bills began pouring in and showed no insurance coverage. This monthly insurance premium had skyrocketed by more than 5 times the original amount to $2300 per month. Efforts have been made to secure disability status, but because of the COVID pandemic, the resolution of his application will take an additional 4 months - at best – to get resolved.
On March 11, 2021 tragedy struck again. While spending time watching college basketball with his son, Jai (16), he suffered a 3rd and 4th stroke and several seizures in his home. Jai quickly called his mom and 911. Kim was taken by ambulance to Mt Vernon INOVA Critical Care Unit where he was resuscitated and in critical condition. On March 12, 2021, Kim was transferred to the ICU at INOVA Mt Vernon Hospital. He is conscious now, but again having swallowing difficulties, suffering from pneumonia, and is very weak.
The past 15 months have been incredibly stressful and draining for Kim, Traci and their sons, with tremendous lows and harrowing experiences as summarized above. During any normal period of time, this would be more than overwhelming and exhausting for any family; but we are still in a pandemic, and the isolation that has accompanied their struggles, worry, and stress has been much more than overwhelming. We don’t know what Kim’s quality of life will be once he finally returns home again, but we do know that it will be a long road of recovery for him. We ask you to join the many who are already praying fervently for Kim’s recovery through this incredibly trying and often scary journey, and for his family’s continued faith and fortitude, as they face the days and weeks and months ahead. Let us pray also that we will do all we can to help them in this great time need. Which brings us to…
PLEASE SUPPORT this GoFundMe: We are establishing this GoFundMe page because Kim’s recovery will be a long and grueling journey that will cost thousands of dollars. The mounting medical bills with each passing day that Kim is in the ICU are an overwhelming stress. We are imploring all who read this to give any amount you can to financially support the Thompson Family – no donation is too small; no donation is too generous. Traci has already taken out $80,000 from her 401K to pay for medical bills and daily expenses. Now with Kim back in the hospital with no insurance, the bills are soaring with no actionable way to pay for them.
Money from this GoFundMe will pay for:
1. Medical bills, hospital and doctor services, medications, etc.
2. Rehabilitation, acute care, and both long-term and short-term care.
3. Family needs/bills that cannot be covered due to lost income.
Prayers and practical support: Any amount you may donate is appreciated. This journey has been long and both emotionally and financially draining for Kim and his family. If we - his friends, extended family, colleagues, business associates, and anyone who’s life has been enriched just by knowing Kim - can support them financially, some of the monetary worry and stress can be alleviated while they try to heal emotionally and continue to support and provide Kim what he needs on his road to recovery.
Thank you in advance for all you will do for Kim, Traci and their sons!
With warmest regards,
Mary-Kay Davidson-Taylor
P.S. In anticipation of some questions you may have if you are not familiar with who I am and to know that this request for donations is a legitimate need, I’ve also provided the information below.
1. How do you know Kim?
I am a family friend and have known Kim, Traci, Tylar, KT, and Jai for 15 years since our middle sons became best friends in Kindergarten. Through the years he’s been a trusted friend and integral influence directly and indirectly in my sons’ lives. I know I am but one of many to witness and benefit from his thoughtful counsel and giving nature.
2. How can I reach Mary-Kay with questions?
Send a message via GoFundMe and she will respond right away.
3. How will the funds be spent?
Funds will be managed and spent by Traci to support Kim, pay medical bills, and support their family in this time of need. All money donated will be deposited straight into an account that belongs to Kim and Traci and 100% of the money will benefit Kim, Traci, and their 3 sons. No one else will touch the money or have access to it.
4. Are there ways to help that does not have to do with money?
YES! Please PRAY! Pray for the following:
a) Kim has no more strokes
b) Kim is able to swallow with no problems
c) Kim does not develop any blood clots in his arms and legs as a result of being immobile
d) Traci has strength to guide her sons and help her husband recover while working full time and that she take a little time for herself to just breathe
e) Their sons -- Tylar, KT, and Jai -- have the strength to talk with someone about the stress of watching their dad go through this incredibly challenging ordeal and that their faith will provide comfort and hope during this time and in the future
f) God holds the Thompson family in His loving arms and that their worry and despair gets relieved and they feel His ever-present love and strength always.
Fundraising team (8)
Mary-Kay Davidson-Taylor
Organizer
Alexandria, VA
Traci Thompson
Beneficiary
David Ginsberg
Team member
John Shelton
Team member
LaBron Oldham
Team member
Melanie Haywood
Team member
