On Oct 2, 2018, I drove my Dad, on his 64th birthday, from his home in Navarre, Florida to Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi for a heart catheterization. He was referred from the Veteran's Administration to investigate a chest x-ray anomaly.

He packed an overnight bag as the procedure was a same-day surgery, or at worst, a one-night stay. However, the test revealed significant coronary arterial blockage.  The doctor recommended immediate bypass surgery and a heart valve repair or replacement. His one-night stay turned into a life changing event.

He was transferred a few miles down the road to Ocean Springs Hospital where he underwent a battery of test and preparations. On Oct 9th, he had open heart surgery. The surgeon performed a successful triple bypass, and as he described, his most difficult heart valve repair to date.

His prognosis is good, but he has a long road to recovery. When he is healthy enough, he will have to return for additional arterial surgery to his right leg.

He is going to need some help financially. As the sole business owner of Navarre Beach Catering , his livelihood is dependent on his health. I watched him coordinating catering events from his hospital bed a few nights before his surgery against the nurses admonishment that he needed to reduce stress. Two days after his surgery while hooked up to a maze of tubes and wires and on oxygen, he answered his phone with a whisper, "Navarre Beach Catering". 

I know he wants to be back on his feet and serving up delicious food. He tried to convince the nurses to let him go to the hospital kitchen to square them away.  While they agreed that the food needed some help, he was in no condition to fix it. They are looking forward to him coming back when he is healthy and providing a delicious spread at the nurses station.

But before that can happen, he needs to complete occupational and physical therapy, a slew of follow-up hospital appointments, and another surgery. In addition, he can't drive for several months. His family is spread out across the U.S., but he has some great friends in Navarre. We really appreciate their support at home and with his pups during his hospital stay.

I'm asking your help in relieving some of his financial hardship so he can focus on recovery. You can donate money, time, or a ride to an appointment. If he thanks you with food, you won't be sorry:)

I also ask that you share this request whether on social media or word of mouth with friends, family, and among the Navarre business community. 

Thank you to those that have helped already and in advance to those that will.

Sincerely, 
Tim