Nearly 3 years ago, Richard went to the ER due to an excruciating headache. It was determined that he had a brain bleed due to a ruptured cerebral AVM (an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain that can cause blood to flow too rapidly and with too much pressure. When an AVM ruptures, it causes bleeding into the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke). He was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. During his time in Roanoke, the neurosurgeons discussed options for moving forward with his AVM. He was informed by the neurosurgeon that due to the size and location of his AVM, surgical removal was just too risky to chance. He was basically told he would just have to manage any symptoms by trying to remain calm and keeping his blood pressure from becoming too elevated, then he was sent on his way. Visit after visit to other neurological specialists, he was given the same response: it’s too dangerous and we don’t think anyone will be willing to take on the risk…

Until he met the Neurology team at WVU who put their heads together to come up with a plan of attack and followed it through to completion. After 4 successful endovascular embolizations and an 11-hour surgery, his AVM has been successfully removed. We are beyond thankful for the medical interventions that have saved Richard’s life. His AVM was described by multiple neurosurgeons as a ticking time bomb that could have destroyed his life at any time. However, there is still a long road ahead.

As Richard moves on to rehab, there will still be a significant cost associated with daily travel to/from the rehab facility and additional time off of work for Lisa. The presence of Lisa and their 3 boys will play a huge role in Richard’s motivation and rehab, so daily visits are extremely important during this vital time.

The decision to share more details and ask for assistance has been very difficult for Richard and Lisa as they are very private about their problems, but this situation is overwhelming and they need help. Richard has not been able to work basically since his original brain bleed. As a truck driver, his condition posed too big of a risk for his employer to overlook. Due to the restrictions of the AVM, manual labor was out because too much exertion could cause another rupture/brain bleed. The AVM has affected his memory and ability to function, so learning new equipment was also not a viable option. Lisa has had her own health issues, but she was also the primary caregiver for Richard’s mom, Ann, until she passed away this past November. After Ann’s passing, Richard was already starting to have his embolization procedures, so Lisa needed to be available to travel back and forth to Morgantown with Richard for his appointments and procedures without schedule limitations. She has been delivering mail and doing some Spark deliveries here and there to try to keep up with household expenses, but they have basically been living off of savings during this time, which is quickly running dry, especially with the addition of travel and lodging costs for his appointments and each procedure quickly adding up.

This time has been extremely hard on his loved ones, and the medical procedures, travel expenses, and time off from work for Lisa will result in a major financial burden on top of these struggles. The idea for this GoFundMe is to alleviate that stress so that Richard, Lisa, and their boys can focus on each other and Richard’s health, and less on the financial part of things.

We are asking for your help if you have the means. It doesn’t matter how much, any contribution will be so appreciated and needed. If you are not able to help by donating, feel free to share this page and send your prayers, positive and healing thoughts into the universe for Richard. The words THANK YOU don't seem enough to match the gratitude we feel for any help they are given which may help ease the financial stress associated with his treatment and recovery.

Richard had a nurse recently tell him that he was described as a shot of caffeine! Energy-boosting and just the kind of person that makes you feel good. We couldn’t agree with this description more, it’s absolutely perfect! We hope to have our Richard back at 100% very soon!