My Papa, Mike Burrows, is a 76 year old, strong and independent mechanic, fisherman, motorcyclist and farmer who is well-loved by his wife, 8 children, 2 sons-in-law, 4 daughters-in-law, 19 grand children and 3 great-grand children. On Wednesday June 17th, Papa had a stroke at his home in Long Island, Bahamas. He didn't know he had a stroke until 72 hours later. Unfortunately there are no hospitals on Long Island. Papa was flown to the capital, Nassau, for medical attention.
Upon arrival, he was transported to the Public Hospital where he was admitted for testing and observation. The doctors discovered that the Carotid Arteries in his neck were blocked. The carotid arteries are responsible for transporting blood to the brain. The right artery was 80% blocked, which is why he experienced the stroke to the left side of his body. His left artery has 60% -70% blockage. The surgery to remove the plaque build-up is very serious and costly. Success means that he will get 100% blood flow to the brain which could mean almost complete recovery. As he humerously told my Uncle Owen "my brain is telling my left side what to do, but it's not getting the message...no connection. I thought they had wifi in this building!"
Yesterday , July 1st, the doctors operated on his right artery, and the surgery was a success! One surgury down, 1 more to go! He is in ICU under close observation to see how his brain responds to the increased flow of blood. As you can imagine, there are many charges associated with a procedure of this magnitude, and many painful days ahead. But anyone who knows Mike 'Gus' Burrows, knows that he is a strong-willed, warrior soul that is determined to recover 100%! If you know him, you'd also know that he is the rock of his family and needed and loved by many. We have no doubt that he will face this long, tough road to recovery with courage, wittiness and his uniquely endearing attitude.
As the Burrows family is well aware, that there are many deserving causes looking to raise money. We've supported many of them ourselves! But today, we need help. We're a simple people. Our wealth is in our love. If you know anything about him, his wife, his children, or grandchildren, or if there's someone in your life you can't imagine living without or having them burdened with such high medical expenses please consider donating to help with his hospitalization, doctor fees, and recovery treatments. It cliche, but we mean it when we say that every single dollar helps. There is nothing too large or small to contribute.
We'll keep you posted on his progress.
With humble hearts of appreciation,
The Burrows