Support for Russell Clarke's family

On Monday, June 18, 2018, a few days shy of Russell’s 37th birthday, lives were changed forever.  I received a call from my long-time friend asking me what I was doing.  I could hear the urgency in her voice and said “I don’t know.  Why?” She replied “I think Russell is having a stroke.  I’m waiting for the ambulance.  Can you come get the kids?”

Many people have prayed for Russell and sent well wishes and good thoughts for his recovery.  I hope that if you are able, you will donate to help Russell’s wife and children in this very difficult time. 

Nicole has an IMMEDIATE need to be able to cover the remaining portion of the retainer for an attorney and costs of a guardian ad litem to be able to sell their house in Wisconsin Rapids and file for disability and Medicare for Russell. 

Nicole and Russell are proud veterans and asking for money is a very difficult thing!  There is so little we can do to make their situation better, but we can try to ease their financial burden.

Prior to Russell’s stroke both he and Nicole worked full-time.  Following Russell’s stroke Nicole took 6 weeks off work to be at the hospital with Russell.  For a very long time his condition was VERY touch and go.  Recently Nicole had to return to work full-time.  It is very difficult for her to not be able to be there with him.  However, the bills are never-ending and quite frankly overwhelming.

Russell’s medical condition: He indeed suffered a massive stroke.  He was taken to Wabasha by ambulance and then by helicopter to Rochester.  He spent over 4 weeks in the Neuro ICU and currently resides on the neuro wing of St. Mary’s Hospital.  It is unclear how long he will be there.

He spent several weeks on life support. They had to remove part of his skull to allow his brain to swell. Part of Russell’s brain is dying.  He has infection in his brain.  He has infection in his shoulder.  He may need heart surgery.  The left-side of his body is impaired.  He likely will never be able to return home without a care provider.  He probably will never be able to work again.

Russell and Nicole are both veterans.  They were willing to put their lives on the line for our country. Let us show them our gratitude and help them through this difficult time.