Help me get the word out?
Hey everyone!
I've been around a while. 13 years on the other site, came over here as soon as I realized there was a split. I read a LOT, and post a little. Mostly when I really think I can help, sometimes just to add to or support someone elses comment, and certainly once or twice I was just trollin'. Maybe three times...
I've seen a few losers on here from time to time, but for the most part I am constantly overwhelmed by the willingness of many people to help a complete stranger. A lot of that can certainly be attributed to a shared (slightly insane) interest in these money pits we seem to love so much - But most of it is just because there are some really great people around here. I think the fact that our aftermarket support is so small, we build a tighter camaraderie than the mustangs, camaros, and 4WD's. It's that kinship I am counting on now.
My brother is in BAD shape. I won't go into specifics here because this post is already going to be long, and the whole story will be available in a link below for those interested in reading it. The easy explanation is that he has Spinal Meningitis. The real story is much more complicated, and even I cannot claim to fully understand it just yet. He had a seizure at work in late march. That's what the doctors diagnosed anyway. He has been sick more often than not since then, but two more trips to the emergency room - 1 more for seizure, 1 for general weakness - provided no answers except take these antibiotics. Well, on the 5/5, we took him to the ER again. Finally his illness was taken seriously. It may have been the uncontrollable shaking, or possibly the 125 pulse rate. Within 8 hours he went from walking (in pain) to hallucinating and what I could only describe as an awake coma. He was awake - BUT HE WASN'T THERE. It was terrifying. He has now been sedated and on a breathing machine for 6 days. His spinal infection is BAD. A normal Spinal fluid white blood count is 0 - 5, his is 795,000! He lives alone, and he doesn't make a lot of money. He hasn't worked a full week since his original ER visit - prior to that, he had not missed a day of work in 20+ years. The medical bills have just started coming in and his finances are already in trouble. Mortgage, Medical and Utility companies don't care about people. They work for $$$.
We do not have any timeline for how long he will be sedated, let alone in the hospital. We know that best case is weeks. His condition is not best case. In addition to the infection, he has had 2 strokes, and a mild heart attack since the 5th. Even when he is discharged recovery could take years. Literally. We won't even know the extent of the stroke damage (if any - finger crossed!) until he can be brought fully awake.
I have set up a GoFundMe page to help with his expenses. I KNOW that not everyone can donate. But I hope that you can just share it. You might have a friend that can. Prayers and kind words will be accepted with EQUAL gratitude.
My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/marty.freeman.984 Stop by and send me a friend request. You can share the GoFundMe link from there, or you can go to Richard sure could use your help. by Marty Freeman - GoFundMe And read the FULL story, share, and/or donate.
Thank you so much for even reading this far!
Marty
