Long story short: Jerry is my father—and he’d like to be home for Christmas. In mid-September he was rushed to KUMed with sepsis and he spent the next four weeks in the hospital fighting infection after infection: setback after setback. In mid October, he decided, with his team of doctors, to go forward with a lower leg amputation, knowing the end goal was to begin moving on with life. (There are two grandkids that miss sitting with Grandpa at church brunches and have a lot of stories to catch up on!) From late October through early December, Jerry was at Sharon Lane Rehabilitation. Ahead of schedule with PT and keeping his spirits up, all aimed at trying to be home for the holidays. One big issue, however, is that on top of the medical expenses, the new-to-them (my mom, Sandy also lives there) house isn’t ADA compliant, and Jerry is in a wheelchair until the wound is heeled and he can be fitted for a prosthetic.

The cost of widening doors and building ramps is $20,000, and it’s wiping out a good chunk of savings for two seniors living on fixed income and paltry teacher retirement.

While Jerry was cleared to go home December 12, the construction is still ongoing, which isn’t fantastic for someone trying to heal. Additionally, after five days home, Jerry is back in the hospital fighting another infection and facing more surgery.

Any help to alleviate the financial toll this is taking and to allow him to focus on healing and physical therapy is greatly appreciated.