A couple
of longtime friends from Spanaway, were hit with a double dose of misfortune.
In late February, Anthony had to have another elbow surgery, and his wife,
Lorrie, took time off using her vacation time to tend to him. During that time,
Lorrie was struck with sudden sharp back pain and a high fever, which sent her
to the emergency room. She was informed that her atrophied, non-functioning kidney
had now become seriously infected. Her condition continued to worsen; she had
been treated in the ER several times before finally being admitted and
immediately needing surgery to place a drainage tube into the kidney through
her back. After a week of hospitalization, a stent was placed to keep the
kidney open, and remove the drain, but this was not tolerated by Lorrie's body,
so she returned to surgery to replace the drainage tube. The condition of
Lorrie's kidney is now unstable, and needs time for the many antibiotics to rid
her body of the infection and to make it safe to have it surgically removed.
The drainage tube will remain in place until surgery, for approx. 4-6 weeks.
She is now on unpaid medical leave.
Anthony has been supportive and helping his
wife as much as possible. They are a 2-income family, Lorrie is employed as a
full-time Nurse, and the stress had taken its toll on him as well. He is not
healing as he should, and the surgical area of his elbow became infected, and
is now being treated. They are proud, hardworking people, and never ask for
help from anyone. With so many concerned friends, we took action to reach out
because this unexpected turn has them so worried about paying their mortgage, ongoing
medical insurance expenses, hospital and prescription expenses and other bills
that will be due.
Over the years, Lorrie and Anthony are known
to be very generous and supportive for the needs of others. They love to fish,
camp, spend time with their families and friends, and have an active lifestyle.
What happened to them could happen to any one of us. Please help us help them -
just like we would hope others would do for us. Every little donation makes a
difference. Thank you so much!