Hello All! My name is Karah Richardson, and I started this gofundme campaign for my father, Matthew Richardson.
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of stress and chaos. It all started with my dad having what he thought was bad allergies...makes sense, it's allergy season. Allergy medicines weren't cutting it, and more symptoms started appearing. On April 8th, my Dad tested positive for Covid-19. In the span of just a couple days, his condition worsened. He was struggling to breathe, and because he wasn't getting enough oxygen, he was in and out of consciousness. My sister rushed him to York Hospital, where they discovered, among other things, that the virus settled in his lungs as Covid Pneumonia. He was admitted and gave us all quite a few scares! At one point, there were talks of him being moved off the Covid floor down to ICU to be intubated on a ventilator. We cannot express how thankful we are that this did NOT happen!!
Meanwhile, my mom, sister, and grandparents also tested positive and had multiple trips to the doctors and ED. My sister's case wasn't as severe as everyone else's so she was left taking care of everyone in the house as best as she could. I tested negative twice, so I was able to take care of errands to the pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as keeping in constant touch with the hospital doctors and nurses about my Dad's condition. He was given Plasma therapy, an antiviral (which he had to discontinue due to his liver numbers going too high), antibiotics (when his covid pneumonia turned bacterial, too!) anxiety meds, steroids, and high levels of oxygen. During this time, he was blessed by so many texts and e-greetings from family and friends, which brought him such encouragement. I cannot thank everyone enough for the prayers, meal deliveries to our family healing at home, and encouraging messages. I also cannot thank the hospital staff enough!!! They were very informative and answered all my questions. They took great care of my Dad when none of us could be there.
Dad was discharged April 21st, and sent home with oxygen tanks and medicines to recover at home. The doctors have advised him that he must take it easy and apply for short term disability. He'll need the oxygen a minimum of a few weeks to a maximum of a few months. He'll be checked regularly to see how he's progressing. My mom is (and has been) unable to work, so my dad is the sole provider for them both. He has been worried and stressed about bills and finances. We've reassured him that God will provide, and his only focus at this time should be on healing.
Some people have reached out wondering what our needs are and how best to help, which is why I started this fundraiser. Dad is the type of person who will go out of his way to help anyone in need, expecting nothing in return. I have always admired my dad for this. Even in the hospital, he coordinated for his work to deliver chocolates and candies to the Covid floor medical staff. I talked to multiple nurses who said how blessed they were by Dad's thoughtfulness. He has a giving heart. We always joke with him that he can't carry cash in his wallet, because every time he does, he ends up coming across someone who has a need and he gives it away. That's my dad.
We haven't received any bills for Dad's hospital stay and mom's ED visits just yet. However, when Dad was in the hospital last year, the amount he owed for a 2 and a 1/2 day stay was around $12,000. Mom has had many doctors visits in the last year, too. They are still paying on these bills, and of course their regular monthly bills have been rolling in. They have a high deductible on their insurance plan, and my understanding is after that deductible is met, they'll still be responsible for 20%. I started the goal amount at 15,000, which would bring so much relief right now. I will probably end up updating the goal total when we have a better idea of how much is needed. All donations will go directly to my parents for their medical bills, unless you specify you'd like yours to go toward another one of their needs (groceries, rent, car payment, etc).
I know both my Mom and Dad have sowed into the lives of so many family, friends, and strangers over the years. If you feel led to give, any amount helps and is so appreciated, seriously! If you cannot give monetarily, that is okay too! Meal deliveries will continue to be a huge blessing. If you'd like to contribute in that way, contact my Mom, Michelle Richardson, or myself. Most of all, we covet your continued love, encouragement, and prayers!
Thank you for taking the time to read about what's going on. Each and every one of you are so loved and appreciated by our family!
~Karah, Matt, Michelle, and Michayla Richardson
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of stress and chaos. It all started with my dad having what he thought was bad allergies...makes sense, it's allergy season. Allergy medicines weren't cutting it, and more symptoms started appearing. On April 8th, my Dad tested positive for Covid-19. In the span of just a couple days, his condition worsened. He was struggling to breathe, and because he wasn't getting enough oxygen, he was in and out of consciousness. My sister rushed him to York Hospital, where they discovered, among other things, that the virus settled in his lungs as Covid Pneumonia. He was admitted and gave us all quite a few scares! At one point, there were talks of him being moved off the Covid floor down to ICU to be intubated on a ventilator. We cannot express how thankful we are that this did NOT happen!!
Meanwhile, my mom, sister, and grandparents also tested positive and had multiple trips to the doctors and ED. My sister's case wasn't as severe as everyone else's so she was left taking care of everyone in the house as best as she could. I tested negative twice, so I was able to take care of errands to the pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as keeping in constant touch with the hospital doctors and nurses about my Dad's condition. He was given Plasma therapy, an antiviral (which he had to discontinue due to his liver numbers going too high), antibiotics (when his covid pneumonia turned bacterial, too!) anxiety meds, steroids, and high levels of oxygen. During this time, he was blessed by so many texts and e-greetings from family and friends, which brought him such encouragement. I cannot thank everyone enough for the prayers, meal deliveries to our family healing at home, and encouraging messages. I also cannot thank the hospital staff enough!!! They were very informative and answered all my questions. They took great care of my Dad when none of us could be there.
Dad was discharged April 21st, and sent home with oxygen tanks and medicines to recover at home. The doctors have advised him that he must take it easy and apply for short term disability. He'll need the oxygen a minimum of a few weeks to a maximum of a few months. He'll be checked regularly to see how he's progressing. My mom is (and has been) unable to work, so my dad is the sole provider for them both. He has been worried and stressed about bills and finances. We've reassured him that God will provide, and his only focus at this time should be on healing.
Some people have reached out wondering what our needs are and how best to help, which is why I started this fundraiser. Dad is the type of person who will go out of his way to help anyone in need, expecting nothing in return. I have always admired my dad for this. Even in the hospital, he coordinated for his work to deliver chocolates and candies to the Covid floor medical staff. I talked to multiple nurses who said how blessed they were by Dad's thoughtfulness. He has a giving heart. We always joke with him that he can't carry cash in his wallet, because every time he does, he ends up coming across someone who has a need and he gives it away. That's my dad.
We haven't received any bills for Dad's hospital stay and mom's ED visits just yet. However, when Dad was in the hospital last year, the amount he owed for a 2 and a 1/2 day stay was around $12,000. Mom has had many doctors visits in the last year, too. They are still paying on these bills, and of course their regular monthly bills have been rolling in. They have a high deductible on their insurance plan, and my understanding is after that deductible is met, they'll still be responsible for 20%. I started the goal amount at 15,000, which would bring so much relief right now. I will probably end up updating the goal total when we have a better idea of how much is needed. All donations will go directly to my parents for their medical bills, unless you specify you'd like yours to go toward another one of their needs (groceries, rent, car payment, etc).
I know both my Mom and Dad have sowed into the lives of so many family, friends, and strangers over the years. If you feel led to give, any amount helps and is so appreciated, seriously! If you cannot give monetarily, that is okay too! Meal deliveries will continue to be a huge blessing. If you'd like to contribute in that way, contact my Mom, Michelle Richardson, or myself. Most of all, we covet your continued love, encouragement, and prayers!
Thank you for taking the time to read about what's going on. Each and every one of you are so loved and appreciated by our family!
~Karah, Matt, Michelle, and Michayla Richardson