Alvie's fight against the odds!!

With only being months into retirement, after a lifetime of planning and making preparations to enjoy the “golden years”, our path has taken a drastic turn that will forever change our lives. On May 8, 2016, my husband, Alive developed a stomach ache and retching; he was taken to the emergency room as he began having difficulty breathing with pain in the chest. He was transferred to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he had undergone a hiatal hernia repair several months earlier. An immediate review of the CAT scan report revealed that his entire stomach had migrated north of his diaphragm through the repair and into his chest cavity, and became necrotic or dead. They had to remove his entire stomach.

Alvie has endured a total of 6 surgical procedures and continues to have leaks and unable to tolerate oral intake of liquids or solids. Initially comatose and unresponsive, Alvie has steadily progressed day by day but his healing will take time. He is able to ambulate with assistive device, continues to be fed through a feeding tube, he has a chest tube for drainage and receives IV antibiotics/medications. It has been an uphill battle, and we have come to realize that it will continue to be for some time.

Alvie, has been retired from Duquesne Light Company since his 62nd birthday. Alvie worked 43 years as a journeyman lineman, and is still an active member of his IBEW. We have always been there to assist others in times of medical needs, now with the roles reversed and our family facing the most difficult times, medically, emotionally and financially, we have had to rely on our family, friends, and faith more than ever.

As of today we have been in the hospital for 39 days. The 110 mile round trip from our home to the hospital has become a part of everyday life. After spending nights in the ICU waiting room, I was able to secure a room at the family house temporarily, at a fee of course. We have realized that healing will require extended time, and to facilitate this I have taken a long-term family medical leave of absence from my job, so Alvie can recuperate in his home. With the financial burden incurred thus far, and expected to continue, my oldest son has suggested that I turn to this online community as an avenue for friends and family to assist with financial support of the medical costs incurred to date, and going forward. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, and concerns that have been provided on our behalf. Please donate, like, and share our page!! In this time of need anything to help our family deal with this unexpected hardship will be greatly appreciated and accepted.

               Thank you, God Bless

               Mary Anne