Dad's Stroke & Journey Toward Recovery
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It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this about my vibrant, funny and beloved Dad, Dennis McComb, who suffered a massive stroke on August 28,2020 after a routine dental procedure. This life altering event has left him paralyzed on his left side, and he has cognitive challenges as well. He has had to learn how to chew, swallow and sit up; seemingly simple for most of us, now little victories for him. We know more victories are possible, though it is requiring so much more than we could have ever imagined. My Dad has 5 kids (the youngest is 14), 2 grand-kids, a loving extended family and many friends... so much more living to do!
His doctors have told us that the first three to four months of care after a stroke are the most critical, and that the brain continues to repair itself during the first year. Though he did have group health insurance, we only recently found out that it does not cover any inpatient, rehabilitative care beyond 60 days. Inpatient care and daily occupational, physical and speech therapies cost in excess of $15,000 per month, and are not covered by insurance for people with brain injuries like my Dad. He has not progressed enough to go home as he requires two people or a machine to move him, and is at a critical stage of his healing process. We are trying to give him the best chance for continued recovery and care, though our family is finding the expense and emotional toll of it all to be overwhelming.
My Dad spent a great deal of his life in the insurance business, and is known for his generosity, relationship building skills, and his golf game. He actually golfed with dear friends just two days before his stroke, and fondly refers to that day now. He asked me last week if I thought he would be able to golf again and I told him that I hope so. My Dad taught me generosity at a young age and it is a quality I have always admired in him. So many people have reached out asking what they can do or how they can help, so we created this post. The generosity of others will make a significant impact on Dad's continued recovery, and quality of life. Our short term goal is that he will regain some mobility on his left side and his short term memory will continue to improve. Our long term goal is that he will walk again.
If you know my Dad, you know how much he loves college sports, especially Indiana University basketball. His favorite coach, Bobby Knight, once said "The key is not the will to win, everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." I believe my Dad/Dennis has the will to prepare to win his life back. Thank you in advance for helping him get there.
P.S. Just a reminder that life planning is important, especially if you live alone. If you need insight or assistance in this regard, please comment or send me a message. We are learning a lot through this experience!
His doctors have told us that the first three to four months of care after a stroke are the most critical, and that the brain continues to repair itself during the first year. Though he did have group health insurance, we only recently found out that it does not cover any inpatient, rehabilitative care beyond 60 days. Inpatient care and daily occupational, physical and speech therapies cost in excess of $15,000 per month, and are not covered by insurance for people with brain injuries like my Dad. He has not progressed enough to go home as he requires two people or a machine to move him, and is at a critical stage of his healing process. We are trying to give him the best chance for continued recovery and care, though our family is finding the expense and emotional toll of it all to be overwhelming.
My Dad spent a great deal of his life in the insurance business, and is known for his generosity, relationship building skills, and his golf game. He actually golfed with dear friends just two days before his stroke, and fondly refers to that day now. He asked me last week if I thought he would be able to golf again and I told him that I hope so. My Dad taught me generosity at a young age and it is a quality I have always admired in him. So many people have reached out asking what they can do or how they can help, so we created this post. The generosity of others will make a significant impact on Dad's continued recovery, and quality of life. Our short term goal is that he will regain some mobility on his left side and his short term memory will continue to improve. Our long term goal is that he will walk again.
If you know my Dad, you know how much he loves college sports, especially Indiana University basketball. His favorite coach, Bobby Knight, once said "The key is not the will to win, everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." I believe my Dad/Dennis has the will to prepare to win his life back. Thank you in advance for helping him get there.
P.S. Just a reminder that life planning is important, especially if you live alone. If you need insight or assistance in this regard, please comment or send me a message. We are learning a lot through this experience!
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah McComb
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN
Dennis McComb
Beneficiary