I've spoken with Lacey and we want to do what we can to help Chad and Tricia out. This all has been very overwhelming and unexpected for them. They are the type of people that will never ask for help, so we are going to do it for them. Here is a message from their daughter Lacey:


“We’re not a family who ever asks this of others. My dad has spent his life giving—serving as a volunteer fire chief, working for the state, and always showing up for anyone who needed help, no questions asked. Recently, our family has been thrown into an unexpected health journey. My dad has been out of work since September due to ongoing medical complications, and my mom has been by his side every step of the way, taking time off to care for him. Unfortunately, this means dad is currently not receiving a paycheck, while medical bills and everyday expenses continue to pile up. This is incredibly hard for us to share, but we know how strong community support can be, and we are beyond grateful for every prayer, kind word, and ounce of love already shown. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for always being such an incredible support system.”


In September, Chad started experiencing pain in his left leg. After multiple doctor visits and tests, it was thought to be a pulled muscle. He was taken off work and put in a walking boot, with the expectation that rest would heal it. But instead of improving, the pain worsened. Within weeks, the pain in his left foot and leg became debilitating. He could barely walk. Doctors then referred him to physical therapy, and he completed his initial evaluation and treatment plan. However, the day before his first actual therapy session, everything took a terrifying turn. His foot became ice cold, discolored, and the pain was excruciating. Knowing something was seriously wrong, Tricia took him straight to the emergency room. There, they learned he had almost no blood flow to his lower leg and foot. He was immediately transported to Danville, where he underwent his first emergency procedure and remained hospitalized for several days while doctors prepared him for a left leg bypass surgery. After surgery, he began recovering and was eventually able to come home. Not long after, doctors determined he also needed surgery on his right leg. He returned to Danville, underwent a second bypass surgery, stayed a few days, and then came home again. We truly thought the worst was behind us. But just 24 hours after being home, he became very ill. At first, it seemed like a reaction to medication or the toll of back-to-back surgeries. Days passed and he did not improve. Then his surgical wound changed color and turned pink. After contacting his doctor, they were advised to wait until his follow-up appointment the next day. That appointment changed everything. What started as “just leg pain” has turned into an ongoing, life-altering medical battle—one filled with repeated hospital stays, procedures, infections, and uncertainty. Chad is now fighting for his health in ways his family never could have imagined just months ago.


Please, if you are able to donate, anything will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to Chad and Tricia. Your support means the world to them and will help them get through this incredibly difficult time.