On Friday, April 22nd, Brian was home with the boys and Steph was working. He was taking the trash out and there was a broke ceramic cookie jar in the bag. When he swung the trash to put it into the can, the broken jar sliced into his right leg. He was taken by ambulance to Lourdes in Willingboro. Steph got the call to meet him there and like anyone would be, she was very scared. The fact that Brian is a police officer takes that fear to a new level, a serious injury could affect his ability to do his job long term and that would be Devastating! He was treated and received 19 staples to close the wound and sent home.

 

Steph knew right away that the care he received was suboptimal at best. She was instantly concerned that an infection would form and diligently watched over Brian to see that he was ok.

 

Sunday morning she noticed that he had developed redness and swelling and took him to Jefferson Hospital to be evaluated. He was admitted to the hospital on IV antibiotics and more testing was ordered.

 

Today is Monday and he is still in the hospital. They anticipate that he will be there for several more days. They are treating the infection, but watching him very closely because it is right over a joint and can turn very serious very quickly.

 

In the meantime both Steph and Brian are out of work. Brian is going to need follow up care once he is home and Steph will be taking him as he can not drive with this injury. As of now he is not allowed to put any weight on it at all. This also presents the problem of getting the boys to and from school, and to their baseball games.

 

In the true fashion of the caregiver that she is, Steph’s priority is her family. Making sure they are cared for and their needs are met. Advocating for her husband and making sure he gets the treatment he needs to make a complete recovery. That means time off from work without pay. Lots of running to and from the hospital (which is in Cherry Hill) and dealing with the current astronomical gas prices.

 

Asking for help isn’t something Steph and Brian are good at. They are the first ones to host or organize a fundraiser, donate and contribute to one when others are in need. This is our opportunity to pay it forward to them.

 

I am hoping to raise enough to help ease the financial burden they are facing right now. They have enough to worry about and juggle without having to add the extra worry of money lost from time off work.

 

If you can find it in your heart to make a donation to help them out, please know it will not go unnoticed! They appreciate so much every single message they have received sending prayers and healing thoughts. Let’s surround them with our love and support in their time of need!

if you would rather do a direct donation, you can do so through Venmo @Stephanie-Ptaszenski