Dave Elsbrock's Road to Recovery

Update 02-14-2024

Dave is on the move again. After spending just under three weeks at TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, Dave has been transferred to Sanctuary Pointe, a skilled nursing facility. Dave underwent intensive therapy five days a week at TriHealth and will continue therapy (though less intense) at Sanctuary Pointe. Insurance has approved a two-week stay at the new facility.

Dave continues to deal with aphasia, which impacts his ability to speak. He is using more and more words and has begun utilizing an iPad to aid in communicating with staff and visitors. He is still experiencing paralysis on his right side, however, he is moving his right leg and foot as well as his right arm with assistance. It appears that his short-term memory is improving, which is great news. The immediate goals are for Dave to be able to move himself into a wheelchair as well as being able to use the bathroom facilities.

For those of you who know Dave, it isn’t surprising that he is a favorite of the staff both at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus as well as the TriHealth facility. They’ve found a way to love him despite being able to truly experience his personality and gift of humor. Once he regains the ability to speak more completely, it’s certain he will continue to be a staff favorite as well as with any fellow patients he might encounter.

On this Valentine’s Day, thank you for sharing your love with Dave and his family. Your kindness and generosity are positively impacting his ability to recover.

UPDATE 01-25-24

On Wednesday, January 24th, Dave was transferred to TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital in Cincinnati. He spent just over eight weeks or 57 days in a Columbus hospital following the stroke. The real work of recovery can now begin as Dave experiences intense rehabilitation, including physical and speech therapy. He has continued to make progress regaining the ability to speak, which is great news! It’s likely he has much to say, including sharing his gift of humor. The family will encourage visits once Dave is settled and assessments are complete. Stay tuned for more information regarding visitation.

The family remains grateful for the outpouring of love that has enveloped Dave these past two months. Thanks so much for all the thoughts, prayers, cards, comments on social media, and of course donations to this GoFundMe account. Donations have continued to trickle in, which have pushed the amount over the $12,000 mark. The family continues to monitor Dave’s finances and will share a new goal if and when that is warranted.

Thanks again for your love and support. It truly is making a difference.

UPDATE:

The goal of $10,000 has been reached. It took a mere nine days and 83 donations to achieve—a remarkable milestone to say the least. Dave’s family is grateful, overwhelmed, astonished, and humbled by this demonstration of love for their Gud. Two words—Thank You—simply cannot convey the depth of appreciation for every dollar that’s been donated. Your generosity will go a long way to help Dave as his medical expenses continue to accrue.

The fund will remain open and future donations are welcome. Dave’s family will continue to monitor his out-of-pocket expenses and a new goal will be shared if warranted.

To paraphrase a quote from Lao Tzu: “Kindness in giving creates love.”

Thank you for showering Dave in love. Please continue to hold him close in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE:

The initial goal of $7,000 has been reached. A HUGE thank you to all who’ve donated. The family is truly grateful for the love and support from Dave’s vast network of friends.

Stroke patients often experience a roller coaster ride of sorts as they work hard to recover. This has proven to be true for Dave. It’s been just over five weeks or forty days since the stroke, and Dave has experienced highs and lows. He’s been to the ICU on three separate occasions for various issues, had minor surgery to clean out an infection, and has required the need for a feeding tube. The therapy he’s receiving has helped him regain some ability to speak, but what he really needs is to be stable enough for a transfer to a Cincinnati-area rehab where the real work can begin. The cost of rehab can be a bit staggering, and insurance will certainly cover much of the cost, however, Dave will still have deductibles and co-pays that will be his responsibility.

If you haven’t donated and are able to contribute, any amount is appreciated. Thanks again for the love and support being sent Dave’s way.

“We rise by lifting others.”

Robert Ingersoll

As many of you know, Dave Elsbrock suffered a debilitating stroke in late November 2023. He has been in-patient at a Columbus area hospital, where he receives top notch care. The plan is to transfer him to a rehab in Cincinnati where he will continue therapy. Dave faces a long road to recovery, one that will require lots of medical intervention, which translates to expenses that are certain to accumulate. Health insurance will certainly cover lots of these costs, but Dave will have deductibles and co-pays that will be his responsibility. It is also likely that other non-medical expenses will be incurred.

Many have asked, “How can I help?” The best way to help Dave now is to hold him close in your thoughts and prayers as well as sending letters and cards, which will certainly aid in his recovery and can lift his spirits. For those of you who want to do more, please consider donating to this GoFundMe account. Any amount, no matter how small, is welcome and appreciated. Donations can help offset some of the worry and stress that can arise when one is dealing with unexpected expenses. We can take this off Dave’s plate and enable him to focus solely on getting better.

Dave’s family is currently managing his care as well as his finances. His niece, Lyzz Gallagher Rullman, is acting as account manager for this fund, where Dave is the beneficiary.

Dave epitomizes the definition of a “true friend.” Let’s do whatever we can to support our friend. Thanks in advance for your help.