Donation protected
Friends and Family, let's join together to bless Ryan, his parents, Jeremy and Jennifer, and his siblings, Andrew and Jamy with some financial support to help them get through this difficult time without the added stress and worry of finances. Jeremy is self-employed and no work means no income. They are facing an eventual heart surgery and much therapy. Below is an explanation of his situation:
Last week Ryan had several strokes brought on by a bacterial infection that started in his heart and spread throughout his entire body. The bacteria attacked his neck muscles, lower back, elbow, kidneys, spleen, liver and the right side of his body, including lesions on his right foot. This has been diagnosed as Infective Endocarditis Septic Embolic Stroke.
The most significant damage however, was to his brain, affecting speech and motor skills. He's lost his ability to sign and struggles with speaking. We've been at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a week where doctors have started and will continue treating him with aggressive antibiotics to kill the bacteria. We're waiting for two consecutive bacteria tests to come back negative before we move on to the next step.
He has small windows each day where he's alert, but the majority of time he sleeps or is being assessed by doctors.
We are beyond grateful for the care he's receiving. Teams of doctors from every aspect of the body are watching his progress, Both good and bad. I'd estimate that around 30 doctors monitor him day and night.
The immediate concern at this point is his heart and back. They're watching those areas closely for more bacterial growth that would necessitate major surgery.
He will be on intravenous antibiotics for six weeks AFTER two cultures test negative.
Next step is rehab. The strokes caused significant damage to the brain. We hope physical therapy will help him regain his abilities. The good news is that he'll have some of the best physical therapists in the country helping him retrain his body. At this point it's too early to predict the success of physical therapy.
Ryan is doing what Ryan naturally does... fights back even when he's not aware of it. This has been a shocking and difficult experience for all of us. We're constantly thanking God that we still have him to love and laugh with... it was so close.
Update: Ryan is daily showing improvement and is regaining some strength. His speech is improving and at times he has bursts of energy and has been able to get up and walk. There are many unknowns ahead and a mixture of fear and hope throughout each day. There are still signs of infection in his heart that are being monitored closely and the damage that has been done to his heart valves will have to be repaired with heart surgery at some point. Please keep praying for him!!
Last week Ryan had several strokes brought on by a bacterial infection that started in his heart and spread throughout his entire body. The bacteria attacked his neck muscles, lower back, elbow, kidneys, spleen, liver and the right side of his body, including lesions on his right foot. This has been diagnosed as Infective Endocarditis Septic Embolic Stroke.
The most significant damage however, was to his brain, affecting speech and motor skills. He's lost his ability to sign and struggles with speaking. We've been at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a week where doctors have started and will continue treating him with aggressive antibiotics to kill the bacteria. We're waiting for two consecutive bacteria tests to come back negative before we move on to the next step.
He has small windows each day where he's alert, but the majority of time he sleeps or is being assessed by doctors.
We are beyond grateful for the care he's receiving. Teams of doctors from every aspect of the body are watching his progress, Both good and bad. I'd estimate that around 30 doctors monitor him day and night.
The immediate concern at this point is his heart and back. They're watching those areas closely for more bacterial growth that would necessitate major surgery.
He will be on intravenous antibiotics for six weeks AFTER two cultures test negative.
Next step is rehab. The strokes caused significant damage to the brain. We hope physical therapy will help him regain his abilities. The good news is that he'll have some of the best physical therapists in the country helping him retrain his body. At this point it's too early to predict the success of physical therapy.
Ryan is doing what Ryan naturally does... fights back even when he's not aware of it. This has been a shocking and difficult experience for all of us. We're constantly thanking God that we still have him to love and laugh with... it was so close.
Update: Ryan is daily showing improvement and is regaining some strength. His speech is improving and at times he has bursts of energy and has been able to get up and walk. There are many unknowns ahead and a mixture of fear and hope throughout each day. There are still signs of infection in his heart that are being monitored closely and the damage that has been done to his heart valves will have to be repaired with heart surgery at some point. Please keep praying for him!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jodi Stalnaker
Organizer
Omaha, NE
Jeremy Stumbo
Beneficiary