Support Wayne's Critical Recovery Journey

Wayne has been hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN since 8-12-24, for repair of esophageal perforation which occurred when the hardware from his spinal fusion punctured through his esophagus and set up a life-threatening infection. This is a very rare occurrence which happens in only 0.02% of people after spinal fusion. His doctors at home felt his best chance of survival was to go to Mayo as the mortality rate for this condition is 40%. He made it through the surgery, but every day presents new complications and obstacles. There is no discharge date in sight at this point, but he is probably looking at up to another month inpatient. Anyone who knows Wayne knows that he is a workaholic and already asking the doctors to give him a projected return-to-work date! Realistically, however, he is a long way from that point and may never get there.

His short-term disability is nowhere near enough to cover his bills, not to mention his out-of-pocket medical expenses, including hyperbaric chamber treatments, which are not covered by his insurance but are imperative to promote the healing of the esophagus. This alone will be approximately $18,000 out of pocket. He will go home on a feeding tube, PICC line, and will require continued nursing at home for several months.

Wayne is the hardest worker I have ever met, so it's completely out of his nature to ask for help, so I am asking on his behalf. He needs to be able to heal without the worry of losing everything. Please keep him in your prayers. Anything you can give will help.