Darryl (Zip) & Rose Whitcomb

Darryl (Zip) and Rose Whitcomb

Affectionately known at "Papa" to his grandchildren, Darryl has been hospitalized since early July, mostly in an intensive care unit. His wife Rose has been constantly at his side, supporting and comforting, while trying to pay bills and manage their household. Rose is approved for FMLA, but has used up all her vacation time. This means that she will have a job when she is able to return, but she hasn't had income since early July. Meanwhile, recovery for Darryl is still some time away. Obviously, their finances will be out of control very soon.

Family and friends have been asking what they can do to help.
Aside from recovery, this is their biggest need. Neither Darryl or Rose has asked for help, and we suspect they won't, which is why this campaign was created.

Any funds collected will immediately be used to pay their continuously accumulating living and household expenses. Any funds raised beyond these expenses will go toward medical expenses, prescriptions, etc. which will be required long after Darryl is able to go home.

Details:
Darryl has been suffering from severe ulcerative colitis since May. His condition continued to worsen, including a clostridium difficile infection (C-Diff) -which can be life threatening- to his challenges.  The constant pain and bleeding caused him to lose strength and over 25 pounds of body weight, since he can't eat. To make matters worse, on July 14th, he suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, he was in good hands when he coded. He was immediately resuscitated and admitted to surgery. The 95% blockage was removed and a stent was placed in his aorta. Although this saved his life, he is now required to have blood thinners, which unfortunately, complicates the treatment for his ulcerative colitis. His pain is constant since pain meds can lower his blood pressure. In early August, the C-diff was finally eradicated. One hurdle at a time, he still faces the colitis/heart treatment.
At this time (8/6), he is fighting blood loss, requiring transfusions to keep him strong enough to let the steroids fight the colitis. The family and doctors are hoping that a biologic steroid will eventually help to move him into remission, but the road will be long. In addition, Darryl is fighting an emotional battle, constant setbacks will wear the strongest spirit. He finds comfort in calls, letters, visits, prayer, and continuous encouragement and love from family and friends.

Matthew 25:36-40

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326