Urgent Help Needed for Cliff's Medical Care

On Monday, October 28th, Cliff was having a hard time breathing, so he had Bambie call him an ambulance.

Upon his arrival at the hospital, amongst all the tests to find out what was ailing him, it was discovered that he had an abdominal aneurysm and severe coronary artery disease with near full blockage in 3 of his 4 main arteries. The 4th is a severely impaired valve, which has been a known issue contributing to his congestive heart failure. His heart was also fairly weak, only working at about 50% capacity.

After he was stabilized and some stents were inserted to help with blood flow, he suffered a small stroke that affected his balance and mobility. They also discovered that he had a blood infection and was put on antibiotics.

Throughout this, he’s maintained his good spirits and positive attitude.

Given the frailty of his heart and the other factors, he made the initial decision to forgo any intrusive care and continue with antibiotics for the blood infection.

Today, after learning more about what staying on the antibiotics looked like, Cliff decided to stop with the antibiotic IV.

This decision ultimately only leaves Cliff with us for maybe a few weeks' time.

On Thursday, November 8th, I was informed the hospital was moving Cliff to a "skilled nursing facility" where they would take over care because he didn't meet their criteria to stay in their hospital. I was notified by some of his good friends who were visiting him that the facility was less than ideal and didn't seem to be giving him the care that he actually needs.

I’m trying to find the best solution with his insurance options, Medicaid, and the VA to find a more suitable solution. Those things take time, and time is something we are running out of.

Cliff was never one to ask for help. He always liked to be helpful. If you needed something, he’d help you get it. Sometimes that meant acts of generosity, and sometimes that meant showing you the way through mentorship or leadership. No matter what he did for you, you could always count on the fact he had a smile on his face doing it. He’s been giving and helping others for so long, now is the time he needs the help.

All of the facilities that have the appropriate level of care are anywhere between $12,000-$15,000 per month. Neither myself nor Cliff have the resources for this, and so it's with humility and grace I ask all his friends, former colleagues, and anybody he's touched along the way to spread the word and do anything you can to help get Cliff into a facility he deserves.