As you may know, Michael our brother contracted COVID19 while recouping from a broken hip from a fall at work. His whole family, wife, mother-in law, and daughter were all infected.
The family has gotten oven the virus except for Michael, and his mother-in law who is currently in rehab but not entirely out to the woods yet. This all started at the beginning of May 2021. Michael symptoms were the worst, and hit the hardest, and from the on-set, Michael placed on a ventilator and various other machines to assist with his breathing. Michael’s lungs are so scarred and no longer work because of COVID19. Michael also had tracheotomy and placed induced coma up until recently. The respirator is the only thing keeping him alive.
At one point not too long ago, there were conversations with the family, that we may have to prepare for end of life. It was devastating for all of us to prepare to say goodbye to Michael for the last time, Michael is only 57 years old.
Most recently, the physicians woke him up from the medical induced coma and told him he must work hard now and show signs of improvement and start physical therapy in the event someone says yes. Our brother is strong willed and told the doctors he plans to walk out on his own. It was not until recently we received the best news ever, Stanford Hospital in California accepted Michael for a lung transplant and the plans to move him are in the works.
While this in beyond all we could ever hope for, there is the financial burden associated with it. Setting aside the extraordinary cost of the transplant, Michael will require 24-hour care for a minimum of 3 months up 6 months. This means his wife will pack-up and accompany Michael to California for the duration leaving behind her un-well mother, daughter, and two grandsons. The doctors stated that the family should have at least $10,000 a month for lodging, food, follow-up doctor visits at a minimum of three times a week plus, X rays, medications, transportation, etc. Our long term goal is $60, 000 to cover all 6 months, and we hope to provide them with $30,000 initially to get them set-up for the initial three months once the surgery is done.
We ask everyone to continue to pray for our family and our brother Michael for successful surgery and a speedy recovery so he can continue his life with his beloved wife, daughter and his two grandsons who he adores not to mention, his parents, siblings, extended family, in-laws, and friends. Michael deserves a chance to live! There are not enough words to express our gratitude for all your support!
Sincerely,
Kathy