Doug Hinkle Stroke Recovery

DOUG HINKLE’S JOURNEY TO RECOVERY

On the evening of Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, Doug was doing what he loved doing most nights, working in his shop. His wife Sandy thought nothing of it; Doug was literally everyone's handyman that would drop everything to help others. All that changed when she heard Doug yelling for her from the back door. She found Doug on the ground, and he told her, “You have to take me to the hospital. I think I’m having a stroke.” The Emergency Room CAT scans confirmed that he was having a significant brain bleed. Doug underwent emergency craniotomy surgery on Friday, July 8th, removing the right half of his skull to stop the bleeding and to suction out as much blood as possible to try and reduce the pressure on his brain. Doug spent the next two weeks in the ICU, receiving constant medical attention after the cerebral hemorrhage. Doug has now been transferred to a Rehabilitation Center where he has to relearn everything from neuromotor, cognitive, and speech functions.

For those who don’t know Doug, he’s incredibly hard-working, giving, and easy-going. Doug has spent his entire career as an expert mechanic and can build almost anything. In addition, he shares a passion for restoring antique tractors with his father and brother. Doug is an incredible husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Doug will continue to recover in the rehabilitation center. The cerebral hemorrhage paralyzed the entire left side of his body, almost as if a line had been drawn right down the center of his entire body. Doug cannot sit on his own and requires two Physical Therapists on either side to sit upright and can then be propped up with pillows and the safety rail on his hospital bed. Doug will need physical, occupational, and speech therapy and continued 24-hour care. Despite the injuries, we are beyond blessed for Doug. We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and concern for our family.

We appreciate all your prayers, as we will take all we can get. We are hopeful for continued miracles with Doug’s journey to recovery. But, we’re overwhelmed with uncertainty and know that Doug has a very long road ahead. Doug's favorite title of all is Papa Dig Doug to his 21-month-old granddaughter Ruby Lou. And we recently found out we will be blessed with a 2nd grandchild in Feb 2023, giving Doug a great goal to work toward!

We set up this page for any donations that can assist with countless medical bills, rehabilitation centers, therapy, and personal financial responsibilities. Doug says that Sandy is his "lifeline" and is by his side every day at the rehabilitation center to help and support him in his recovery, so their 2-income family has now turned into a no income family for the foreseeable future.

So many have reached out to ask how they can help; this is one way and will be greatly appreciated. We’re so thankful from the bottom of our hearts for your support.

With Love, The Hinkle Family