Rod Willis Spinal Injury
Donation protected
RODNEY WILLIS MEDICAL FUND
I am Jeff Willis. Rod Willis’ younger brother.
I am writing for the family (brothers and sisters). Except for Rod, Frankie, and I, the rest of the immediate family is out of state. Frankie and I are several hours away.
Rod has taken a bad fall and suffered a severe spine injury. He is in the hospital in ICU in Sacramento. He fell while working in his shop area under his house. He landed head first, face down, in a corner with all his weight going forward and it caused a core compression of his C-3 through C-6 vertebrae. That left him paralyzed on the floor with no one around. Luckily he lives in town and was able to yell “Help me” until someone walking by heard him and called for help. He was taken to the local hospital but because of the severity of his injury and paralysis he was transferred to Sacramento. Once there he also had a bad tooth infection and they could not do surgery until the infection was cleared. That being said, he was totally paralyzed and in extreme pain. This lasted for 12 days before they could do surgery.
The surgery went as well as it could. The surgeon was extremely pleased with the outcome. From the back of the neck with an incision of about 8”, they split the vertebrae, opened them like a hinge, put small bone posts to hold them open and to relieve the pressure on his spine. The doctors say that usually with an injury like this the spine is severed and no recovery is possible. Rod was lucky in that aspect but his spine suffered a major trauma and bruising. The outcome at this point is unknown and he will require extensive physical and occupational therapy. He is now getting a little sensation and slight movement in his legs and arms, with not so much in his legs and feet. The surgical incision is thought to be healing as it should. He will be in a neck brace for at least six weeks. He is getting some physical therapy now in ICU but in the near future they will be transferring him to their physical therapy department where he will stay for an undetermined length of time. They will get him to a point where he will probably be released to a skilled nursing facility where he will continue with physical therapy and whatever other assistance he may need.
Rod is in the fight of his life! He has dealt with physical injuries since he was 12 years old and is now 60. These past injuries have left him disabled and with limited income. But if you know Rod, he has never been one to ask for help from anyone. He has been on the giving side, providing help and support to many people, a lot of whom were strangers. After talking with Rod he realizes that he now needs any help he can get. The situation is that he will not be going home anytime soon. His partner, Jodie, is struggling to try to keep working and driving two hours each way to spend time with Rod and offer her support. On a limited income this can be difficult and financially trying!
There are going to be a lot of both expected and unexpected expenses. With your donations we will be able to help Rod keep his home and take care of expenses during his fight to recovery. The immediate expenses will most likely be huge such as, wheelchair ramps, getting his home ADA navigable, food, medicine, car expenses, utilities, etc.!! We assure you that any money donated will go directly to Rod’s care.
Our goal is to help Rod get back to the point where he will have quality of life and to be able to care for himself independently. We, as his family, would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading Rod’s story and possibly helping however you can. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Rod has a very positive attitude and is determined to get all of this behind him and to get better. Thank you so very much for your consideration.
I am Jeff Willis. Rod Willis’ younger brother.
I am writing for the family (brothers and sisters). Except for Rod, Frankie, and I, the rest of the immediate family is out of state. Frankie and I are several hours away.
Rod has taken a bad fall and suffered a severe spine injury. He is in the hospital in ICU in Sacramento. He fell while working in his shop area under his house. He landed head first, face down, in a corner with all his weight going forward and it caused a core compression of his C-3 through C-6 vertebrae. That left him paralyzed on the floor with no one around. Luckily he lives in town and was able to yell “Help me” until someone walking by heard him and called for help. He was taken to the local hospital but because of the severity of his injury and paralysis he was transferred to Sacramento. Once there he also had a bad tooth infection and they could not do surgery until the infection was cleared. That being said, he was totally paralyzed and in extreme pain. This lasted for 12 days before they could do surgery.
The surgery went as well as it could. The surgeon was extremely pleased with the outcome. From the back of the neck with an incision of about 8”, they split the vertebrae, opened them like a hinge, put small bone posts to hold them open and to relieve the pressure on his spine. The doctors say that usually with an injury like this the spine is severed and no recovery is possible. Rod was lucky in that aspect but his spine suffered a major trauma and bruising. The outcome at this point is unknown and he will require extensive physical and occupational therapy. He is now getting a little sensation and slight movement in his legs and arms, with not so much in his legs and feet. The surgical incision is thought to be healing as it should. He will be in a neck brace for at least six weeks. He is getting some physical therapy now in ICU but in the near future they will be transferring him to their physical therapy department where he will stay for an undetermined length of time. They will get him to a point where he will probably be released to a skilled nursing facility where he will continue with physical therapy and whatever other assistance he may need.
Rod is in the fight of his life! He has dealt with physical injuries since he was 12 years old and is now 60. These past injuries have left him disabled and with limited income. But if you know Rod, he has never been one to ask for help from anyone. He has been on the giving side, providing help and support to many people, a lot of whom were strangers. After talking with Rod he realizes that he now needs any help he can get. The situation is that he will not be going home anytime soon. His partner, Jodie, is struggling to try to keep working and driving two hours each way to spend time with Rod and offer her support. On a limited income this can be difficult and financially trying!
There are going to be a lot of both expected and unexpected expenses. With your donations we will be able to help Rod keep his home and take care of expenses during his fight to recovery. The immediate expenses will most likely be huge such as, wheelchair ramps, getting his home ADA navigable, food, medicine, car expenses, utilities, etc.!! We assure you that any money donated will go directly to Rod’s care.
Our goal is to help Rod get back to the point where he will have quality of life and to be able to care for himself independently. We, as his family, would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading Rod’s story and possibly helping however you can. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Rod has a very positive attitude and is determined to get all of this behind him and to get better. Thank you so very much for your consideration.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carol Germany Willis
Organizer
Artois, CA
Rod Willis
Beneficiary