Ronn Piwnicki’s Cost for Care
Donation protected
UPDATE: A MESSAGE FROM KAREN
Dear Family & Friends of Ron Piwnicki,
This is an open message of my deepest heartfelt thankfulness and thanksgiving to all who were so very generous with funds and comforting words concern for Ron's health condition. It took my breath away when I realized how many people desired to show Ron this outpouring of care.
When Mark, Syl, and Rob approached our children with this idea, my pride and privacy were huge obstacles. They helped me understand that people who know Ron just want an opportunity to help.
I must explain Ron's health began to decline 5 years ago. However, the last 3 year's slide has been significant...more than I ever would have imagined.
I felt that our children, family and some friends were all the 'troops' we would need to manage. Admittedly, it's gotten very difficult. But now,I feel like the Good Lord, through divine intervention, has sent in the 'calvary'.
Rest assured, we will give sincere consideration as stewards of all your generosity.
Ron's needs for the most basic daily function has been a very difficult challenge for me. These funds will provide us with the ability to get proper physical help and care. This is a true Christmas blessing!
We continue to research possibilities and seek options for a possible breakthrough in Ron's health.
I can't possibly put all of my emotions into words. I can only say 'Thank You'. I've lived long enough to know that each one of you has your own burden to carry. We will pray the Lord gives you mercy and that His Grace shines upon you.
As of this writing, Ron is not aware of this gift. Since Mark, Rob and Syl honored Ron with this act of true friendship, we feel they should have the honor and joy of telling Ron of all your inspiring love.
Sincerely,
Karen Piwnicki
Organized by Mark Gawronski, Syl Pieczonka, & Rob Sech
Ronald Piwnicki started his railroad career in 1971 with Western Fruit Express at the train yards in Cicero, IL which eventually led him to the Burlington Northern. Ronn's rail career spanned over the next 44 years with the BNSF, Standard Car Truck Co, CIT Rail, and finally with Columbus Casting where he retired early due to health conditions in February 2015.
Ronn and his wife, Karen, began to notice different neurological symptoms in late 2013 which included hand tremors, physical and mental slowness, balance issues, and general lack of focus. Over the next few years, Ronn’s neurological condition slowly deteriorated with difficulty walking, speaking, eating. In that time, Karen and family have extensively sought out professional medical counsel from research clinics at University of Chicago Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Hospital and Alexian Brothers in search of a reliable diagnosis/prognosis. In 2017, Ronn was provisionally diagnosed with a neurological condition called 'Corticobasal Degeneration' (CBD) which is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by nerve cell loss and atrophy (shrinkage) of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia.
As of today, Ronn can no longer perform any of the daily activities of living...which include walking, eating, bathing, getting dressed, or communicating without significant assistance and is currently on a feeding tube. Karen is Ronn's sole caregiver within their McHenry, IL home. Both receive regular visits and assistance from their 5 grown children, and Ronn reserves most of his spoken words to tell his 10 grandchildren "I love you, too" when they come see Grandpa 'Choo-Choo'. While Ronn has lost most of the common functions of everyday life, he will still chuckle at a solid joke, enjoy a scenic drive, or watch a black-and-white classic movie as a 'date night' in with Karen. And throughout the progressive decline of his condition, Ronn has maintained his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior....regularly attending church virtually via live stream.
However, Ronn requires care 24/7, 365 days a year; we are creating this GoFundMe page to help raise money for his care. Ronn and Karen are currently receiving one day a week of respite care at $100 per day. We hope to increase that to two days a week in 2019 and informs the initial goal of $5,200. Any excess over the $5,200 to our goal of $15,000 would be used for a sit-to-stand lift, additional days of care, and any unforeseeable circumstances as Karen is the full time caregiver.
Ronn is unaware of this campaign at this time, but the entire Piwnicki family is grateful for your thoughtful consideration to assist one of our own. Please keep the Piwnicki’s in your thoughts and prayers
Dear Family & Friends of Ron Piwnicki,
This is an open message of my deepest heartfelt thankfulness and thanksgiving to all who were so very generous with funds and comforting words concern for Ron's health condition. It took my breath away when I realized how many people desired to show Ron this outpouring of care.
When Mark, Syl, and Rob approached our children with this idea, my pride and privacy were huge obstacles. They helped me understand that people who know Ron just want an opportunity to help.
I must explain Ron's health began to decline 5 years ago. However, the last 3 year's slide has been significant...more than I ever would have imagined.
I felt that our children, family and some friends were all the 'troops' we would need to manage. Admittedly, it's gotten very difficult. But now,I feel like the Good Lord, through divine intervention, has sent in the 'calvary'.
Rest assured, we will give sincere consideration as stewards of all your generosity.
Ron's needs for the most basic daily function has been a very difficult challenge for me. These funds will provide us with the ability to get proper physical help and care. This is a true Christmas blessing!
We continue to research possibilities and seek options for a possible breakthrough in Ron's health.
I can't possibly put all of my emotions into words. I can only say 'Thank You'. I've lived long enough to know that each one of you has your own burden to carry. We will pray the Lord gives you mercy and that His Grace shines upon you.
As of this writing, Ron is not aware of this gift. Since Mark, Rob and Syl honored Ron with this act of true friendship, we feel they should have the honor and joy of telling Ron of all your inspiring love.
Sincerely,
Karen Piwnicki
Organized by Mark Gawronski, Syl Pieczonka, & Rob Sech
Ronald Piwnicki started his railroad career in 1971 with Western Fruit Express at the train yards in Cicero, IL which eventually led him to the Burlington Northern. Ronn's rail career spanned over the next 44 years with the BNSF, Standard Car Truck Co, CIT Rail, and finally with Columbus Casting where he retired early due to health conditions in February 2015.
Ronn and his wife, Karen, began to notice different neurological symptoms in late 2013 which included hand tremors, physical and mental slowness, balance issues, and general lack of focus. Over the next few years, Ronn’s neurological condition slowly deteriorated with difficulty walking, speaking, eating. In that time, Karen and family have extensively sought out professional medical counsel from research clinics at University of Chicago Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Hospital and Alexian Brothers in search of a reliable diagnosis/prognosis. In 2017, Ronn was provisionally diagnosed with a neurological condition called 'Corticobasal Degeneration' (CBD) which is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by nerve cell loss and atrophy (shrinkage) of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia.
As of today, Ronn can no longer perform any of the daily activities of living...which include walking, eating, bathing, getting dressed, or communicating without significant assistance and is currently on a feeding tube. Karen is Ronn's sole caregiver within their McHenry, IL home. Both receive regular visits and assistance from their 5 grown children, and Ronn reserves most of his spoken words to tell his 10 grandchildren "I love you, too" when they come see Grandpa 'Choo-Choo'. While Ronn has lost most of the common functions of everyday life, he will still chuckle at a solid joke, enjoy a scenic drive, or watch a black-and-white classic movie as a 'date night' in with Karen. And throughout the progressive decline of his condition, Ronn has maintained his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior....regularly attending church virtually via live stream.
However, Ronn requires care 24/7, 365 days a year; we are creating this GoFundMe page to help raise money for his care. Ronn and Karen are currently receiving one day a week of respite care at $100 per day. We hope to increase that to two days a week in 2019 and informs the initial goal of $5,200. Any excess over the $5,200 to our goal of $15,000 would be used for a sit-to-stand lift, additional days of care, and any unforeseeable circumstances as Karen is the full time caregiver.
Ronn is unaware of this campaign at this time, but the entire Piwnicki family is grateful for your thoughtful consideration to assist one of our own. Please keep the Piwnicki’s in your thoughts and prayers
Fundraising team (5)
Gawronski, Pieczonka, & Sech .
Organizer
McHenry, IL
Jeremy Piwnicki
Team member
MARK GAWRONSKI
Team member
Jeff Piwnicki
Team member
Robert Sech
Team member
