Support Reggie's Return to Home

I know some of you have already heard but our family has not formally announced anything regarding our recent family tragedy. On July 19th, Reggie suffered a severe spinal stroke while simultaneously experiencing septic shock as a result of an infection. He was rushed to the ICU at UK where he stayed 35 days. It is there that he was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, following the trauma to his central nervous system, determining that he would more than likely be a quadriplegic- paralyzed from the neck down.

Since then, his journey has moved him from various acute care settings to now inpatient rehab at Frazier Rehabilitation Center in Louisville where he is currently receiving Spinal Cord treatment and determining what accommodations/adaptations are required for him to functionally live after moving back home, which is expected following discharge from Frazier Rehab Institute. The medical team here has recently confirmed our fears that he has a complete cervical spine injury at the C2 level, meaning he will require a lot of expensive medical devices and household adjustments.

This has obviously been a very difficult time for our family while trying to navigate best options and the uncertainty of what is to come. With that being said, if you know my dad, you know a few things about him:

He would do anything for anyone he cares about, gives it to you straight, and stubborn as a mule.

As unfortunate as this situation is, we know how lucky we are to still have this opportunity with him and for him to still live out a meaningful life, with purpose, despite how different this chapter may look. He has fought so hard to overcome impossible odds and still continues to fight to get better each and every day.

As of today, Dad has been admitted in the hospital for 81 days. With that being said, the cost of the medical bills, equipment, and lifestyle changes that need to occur have added up and many continue to ask how they may be able to help or support Reggie and Denise. I have put together a GoFundMe in an effort to help alleviate some of this unprecedented, large burden on my parents. For those of you who were aware of the situation and have offered your prayers, thoughts, monetary donations and other means of encouragement, my family and I want to offer our sincerest thanks. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives. We feel your love immensely during this phase.

On a personal note, I want to acknowledge a few people who have been unbelievable through everything. First, my amazing mother. Through it all, she has been there by Dad’s side (literally all 81 days) and has been so incredibly strong. Second, my wife. The support she has given me, my dad and the rest of our family has been tremendous. Thank you for being my rock through all of this. Next, all of our family and friends who have helped by watching Blake (often with no notice) so Morgan and I had the ability to travel to Lexington. You really don’t know how much that helped. Finally, thank you to all of the medical staff that have supported my dad and our family through this journey. They have literally saved his life multiple times throughout his time in the hospital.

In an effort to be transparent, I think it helps to know how the money you donate will be spent. The items below are the most pressing needs where your donations will be spent:

- Medical bills (spinal operations, procedures, ICU stay, medications, therapies)

- Wheelchair accessible van (he will require this in order to go to MD visits, travel)

- Replacement of flooring in the house for accessibility

- Ramp to enter/exit home

- Remodel of bathroom to support his wheelchair

- Restructuring of doorways for wheelchair accessibility

Thank you again to everyone who have already offered your support in some way. You truly don’t know how much it has meant to our family. We appreciate your support during this difficult time and any help you are able to offer.

God bless.