I am creating this to raise funds for a partner in the fire service, Ryan Cooper who has worked with the NRFD for 23 years. Ryan Cooper and his wife Erica, were going about their normal lives when Erica went in for gallbladder surgery and stone removal. While recovering from the surgery, Erica said something isnt right and the pain became unbearable so they decided to go back to MMH. It was then discovered that she had severe complications from the surgery and she was immediately rushed into surgery to fix the issues, but severe internal bleeding started. After multiple surgeries they were able to get the bleeding under control and she was transferred to Tampa General Hospital and placed in the ICU. After multiple days at TGH and numerous surgeries to fix everything up, Erica was cleared to be discharged and sent home after a total of 15 days spent in the hospital.

She made it home for a couple of days until things took a turn for the worse. She was admitted back into TGH again due to pain, lack of appetite and shortness of breath. It was discovered multiple organs weren't functioning correctly along with an unknown infection. While being cared for, her vitals crashed and she went into respiratory distress. At that point she was put under anesthesia and intubated. She is still sedated and intubated at this time with today marking the 10th day. She has undergone more than 10 surgeries in the process with more to come. She remains at TGH in the ICU and will more than likely remain there for the upcoming weeks.

We are hoping and praying that this will all end soon. Ryan is eager to get his wife back and to get home to be with their two children (Jacob & Kaylee) putting this rough time in the past. Though the time in the hospital will be over, the long road of recovery at home will begin. This page is being created to assist with medical expenses that they will face now and the long list of things to come such as at home medical care and physical therapy .

Praying for the Cooper family!