Darlene and Trent Hamm

To say that we were hit with a total curveball eight months ago would be an incredible understatement. Anyone that knows my dad knows he is the hardest worker and will do whatever he has to to provide for his family. That's his way of showing how much he loves us. He made the hard decision to retire earlier than he expected last year when his health took the forefront of his want to provide. He had worked in the oilfield industry for as long as I can remember and was still working offshore when he retired. Even after leaving his career, you never found him sitting still. You'd find him in his barn, on his tractor, or planting fields. Always working. He's also a very prideful guy that would never ask for help. He will either find a way or go without. During these times, he cannot just go without. I feel it is my responsibility to not only continue advocating for my mom, but also my dad. He has spent the last eight months at my mom's side, day in and day out, all hours around the clock. He has never hesitated, faltered, never lost hope in restoring her, and never left her alone for more than two days in 8 months. He has not been able to work or provide any type of side income since she became ill. He has traveled across cities and states, back and forth, hundreds of miles a day on his truck. Not only are the medical bills continuing to come in daily, but the household bills are stacking up as well. Even the small things that we don't even consider: 100 miles to the hospital, 100 miles back home at the end of the day at $4.00/gallon or throw money at a hotel room,either way there are expensese that come with the travelling and staying near when the hospital is states away from home.

We have been in such shock and awe at the amount of love and support we have been shown every step of the way. The calls, texts, messages, prayers, and donations have not gone unnoticed and have never once been taken for granted. We have been monetarily supported as well as friends allowing him to use discounted hotel stays. The support has been just incredible and we are forever grateful and can't wait to be able to tell Mom just how many people are supporting her.

At this point, Mom is now stable with a tracheotomy. She should no longer have to worry about acquiring pneumonia. She was moved into a room on the floor and is now out of the ICU! She has been calm, relaxed, and is able to respond to yes or no questions by shaking her head or blinking her eyes. She gets caught in the conversation and attempts to talk but just hurts herself more when she can't speak. We are in the process of getting her transferred to a longer term care unit in Lafayette to be closer still. Dad wouldn't have to depend on travelling or hotels, he has a place to stay in town. We unfortunately do not know what her future will hold, but at this point it seems all tests and treatments have been done. Now it is, wait and see, and keep her comfortable in the meantime. Hopefully she will be able to get some sort of rehab while in the long term care unit. As usual, we will continue to hope and pray for her miracle.

I reset the GoFundMe for the last time in hopes to be able to crowd source some money to help my dad with the expenses that come along with this outside of the medical bills. Just something to help with any household bills, traveling expenses, gas, food, or hotel. I know he would appreciate it more than he would ever be able to say and be so so grateful. Thank you again, for all of the love and continued support. Mom is strong, she is loved, and she will overcome this.