Support William Hartwig's Medical Recovery

Dear friends and community,

We urgently seek your support for William Hartwig, who has been facing severe health challenges over the last six weeks. His journey began with a week-long hospitalization from February 24 to March 3 due to a Crohn’s flare that almost resulted in a bowel perforation. Although his condition was stabilized, William had to return to the emergency room on March 23 with intense pain, where doctors confirmed he had a bowel perforation. Due to his critical condition, he couldn't be immediately transferred to UW Health, resulting in emergency surgery at the original hospital. However, this was only a temporary solution, as he had already developed sepsis. The next day, William was transferred to UW Health by ambulance, where a second surgery was performed to remove inflamed intestines and place an ostomy, allowing him to heal. He remained hospitalized until April 2.

On April 6, he was once again taken to the emergency room, showing signs of dehydration. It was diagnosed as severe dehydration, with critically low blood pressure and strain on his heart due to dangerously high lab markers. UW Health urgently transferred him via helicopter, placing him in the ICU, with the possibility of needing dialysis due to kidney injury caused by dehydration. Thankfully, after receiving extensive intravenous fluids, his lab results improved, and he was moved to a regular hospital room. As of today, he remains inpatient, under close observation to balance his ostomy output and prevent further dehydration.

Once discharged, William will require at least 4-6 weeks off work for recovery, followed by another surgery in approximately six months to reverse the ostomy. Complicating this situation is the fact that William had just started a new job and has not completed the waiting period for benefits. He lacks short-term disability coverage, leaving him without income during this time.

We humbly ask for your support to help William cover his medical expenses and manage daily living costs during this challenging period. Any donation, big or small, will make a significant difference and is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,

Shannon Johnston (sister in law)