Wheelchair Van for Ronald Kauffman

Hi, we are Cindy, Mike, and Beth, writing on behalf of our older brother, Ronald Kauffman. On Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 Ronald suffered a massive stroke leaving him with right-side paralysis, speech difficulty, and dysphagia (inability to swallow). When the stroke occurred he was rushed to Ephrata Hospital and quickly airlifted to York Hospital where he spent a month in the Stroke Center. He was then moved to Lancaster General Hospital Rehabilitation Center where he spent ten days progressing until problems occurred with his feeding peg. The peg dislodged from his stomach causing severe infection in his abdomen. He then spent another three weeks in the LGH Stroke Center receiving intensive care after abdominal surgery. In June he was transferred to Lancaster Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for another five weeks. Ronald has been through quite the ordeal, many steps forward and several steps back. His progress has been slow and very back and forth. While we are thankful for the medical teams tending to him, the nursing and staff shortage our country is currently experiencing was certainly evident in Ronald's care; oftentimes leaving us in tears as we visited him. At the nursing home, we feel he regressed; depression was of great concern and his lack of swallowing and eating became more of a problem once again. On July 28th (after 101 days post-stroke) Ronald finally arrived at his home. It has not been easy. Pauletta, his wife, has taken a short leave of absence from work and a lot of vacation time to care for him. She is primarily his main caregiver at this time. Family is helping when they can. The future of his care is still unknown. Many details are yet to unfold.

Ronald is a son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a volunteer firefighter for many years. He has served his family and his community well. It has been challenging watching our parents who are in their 80s see their son go through this life-altering medical event.

Up until his stroke, Ronald was still working even though he was partially retired. He was one of the hardest workers we know, having worked since age 14. It has been difficult working through the process of fighting for disability (for which he still has not been approved). It's been a frustrating process for Pauletta and the rest of us who are trying to help with paper work to get him the aid he needs. Many have asked how they can help. The biggest need right now is trying to pull the finances together to purchase a wheelchair van. Currently, a family member is paying for a wheelchair van rental, of which those costs are adding up. Pauletta has been transporting him to some doctors appointments. Visiting nurses, physical therapists, speech and occupational therapists are all tending to him at home. It is with great hope that Ronald will be able to walk, talk, and eat again normally; but that is still unknown. With the strain on their finances and medical expenses adding up, the purchase of a wheelchair van is very difficult. Thankfully a custom wheelchair, a hospital bed, and a lift have been provided for him. We are grateful for those items.

If you would like to contribute to the costs of a wheelchair van for Ronald's transportation needs you may do so here. No amount is too small. Ronald would never in his life ask for any help, especially financial help - he has been a good big brother to us, oftentimes helping us in time of need and now we want to help him and Pauletta in this way. Wheelchair vans are quite expensive and we are trusting God to bring along a decent used van that will be affordable and efficient for their needs.

Thank you for considering and thank you in advance for your kindness in supporting them in this tangible way. We appreciate your prayers moving forward for his continued recovery, medical and disability needs.

Love,

Cindy, Mike, Beth and The Kauffman family