Medical care-Transportation-Out of state bills

Hello, my name is Dayna and I am truly blessed to be David's daughter. While on a road trip vacation to Yellowstone National Park with his fiance, Teresa, (enjoying his newly and MUCH deserved retirement from the Army and work)...he suffered from a stroke caused by an enormous blood clot that severed his carotid artery. He was med-flighted from Montana to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center ICU, where he continues to be treated today. Upon the initial 12-24 hour diagnosis from the neurologists and ICU doctors, we were called, 20+ hours away from him, and within a 5-minute conversation, were preparing for the next steps that included approval for organ donation and removal of life-support measures.

Fast forward not even 12 hours...he miraculously responded with a hand squeeze. HUGE deal! With that news, his sister-Vicki, son- Daniel, and I booked an immediate 10 hour flight out of Madison to be by his side.

Within the next 24 hours...a neurologist with over 20 years said, "I have only used the term miracle 2 other times in my life, as I am a man of science, but your dad will be the 3rd time I use it". Based on vitals, they were not fully expecting the amount of growth or responses, verbal or physical, that he has somehow been able to muster...especially considering the immense amount of swelling and damage to his brain.

We are currently on Day 5 in the ICU with nothing but POSITIVE outlooks for a road paved with therapy and continued recovery. The next big steps for Dad (David) will be therapy (all of them) and of course getting him in good enough shape to be transported BACK HOME TO WISCONSIN. We know it is going to be a long journey and nothing is promised, but he has shown AND TOLD US that he is ready to take on the challenge. We are ready to help him get there, no matter what it takes.

If you know my dad in any capacity, you would know he would NOT approve of this GoFundMe page. He is a true GIVER...he does not normally feel the need to receive, unless it is love and laughter from his friends and family. He has donated to, supported, and done community service work for more people/organizations than I have ever seen a single person do. He is not rich in wealth, but that has never stopped him from giving whatever he could to help others. We are hoping that in return, on his behalf, we can call on others now to help him in his time of need.

We do not know, at this point, the extent of the transportation/medical bills, but this is where we are going to start. Whether you are willing and able to donate $1 or $100 or more, he and we (his family) will be forever grateful.

Please follow us for updates on his health/status on his CaringBridge page. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidandersen2

Thank you all for your continued support, thoughts, prayers, and POSITIVE VIBES. He is fighting like hell for all of his friends and family...he is not ready to call it quits, he has too much to still do!