Help Brad Peterson Recover from a Serious Stroke
Donation protected
Many of you know Brad as a very accomplished and humble Nordic Skier. He joined the Birkebeiner family in the 2nd year (1974) and has completed 45 Birkies, most recently as a Birkie Ambassador. He and his wife Susan met through x-c ski racing and have competed at the highest level in many World Master’s Nordic events. They often traveled to these events with other Twin Cities legends including Bjorn Lasserud, Dick Hedenstrom and Ahvo Taipale.
In 2015, Brad and Susan started Arcola Trail Flower Farm and have been hard at work growing organic specialty cut flowers as their retirement business. www.arcolatrailflowerfarm.com
Brad suffered a major Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA, stroke) on September 27, 2020. He spent 3 weeks in the Neuro-Intensive Care unit at Regions Hospital and 7 weeks at Regency Hospital after his CVA. Initially, he was on a ventilator and later was transitioned to a tracheostomy and feeding tube when he stabilized and needed these important support modalities.
His wife Susan Rockwood, and three sons (Matt, Alex and Ford) decided that Brad would be happier and safer from Covid if they could get him back to their farm north of Stillwater, MN. On December 4, Brad came home with 24 hours per day of nursing care. His medical condition is now relatively stable but fragile. Brad recognizes family and is aware of his surroundings and at peace, even though he is unable to communicate verbally. The right side of his body is paralyzed and he needs substantial help with any movement. He is making very gradual improvements in awareness and non-verbal communication, but remains dependent on a feeding tube and still has a tracheostomy.
Susan and his sons are very glad to have him at home where he can be comfortable and with people that love him. Of course, Covid has made this situation even more challenging with restrictions on visitors and volunteer support. Fortunately, Susan has been able to find excellent nursing support which is in very high demand during the Covid pandemic. The cost of his nursing support is $20,000 per month for 12 hours per night. None of these expenses are covered by his Medicare or supplement insurance.
We are asking his many friends to contribute in order to defray this enormous, but very worthwhile and necessary expense. At this time, it is uncertain how long this level of support will be necessary, but it could be needed for many months or longer.
Let us do what we can to support our wonderful friends Brad, Susan and his sons, during these trying times.
In 2015, Brad and Susan started Arcola Trail Flower Farm and have been hard at work growing organic specialty cut flowers as their retirement business. www.arcolatrailflowerfarm.com
Brad suffered a major Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA, stroke) on September 27, 2020. He spent 3 weeks in the Neuro-Intensive Care unit at Regions Hospital and 7 weeks at Regency Hospital after his CVA. Initially, he was on a ventilator and later was transitioned to a tracheostomy and feeding tube when he stabilized and needed these important support modalities.
His wife Susan Rockwood, and three sons (Matt, Alex and Ford) decided that Brad would be happier and safer from Covid if they could get him back to their farm north of Stillwater, MN. On December 4, Brad came home with 24 hours per day of nursing care. His medical condition is now relatively stable but fragile. Brad recognizes family and is aware of his surroundings and at peace, even though he is unable to communicate verbally. The right side of his body is paralyzed and he needs substantial help with any movement. He is making very gradual improvements in awareness and non-verbal communication, but remains dependent on a feeding tube and still has a tracheostomy.
Susan and his sons are very glad to have him at home where he can be comfortable and with people that love him. Of course, Covid has made this situation even more challenging with restrictions on visitors and volunteer support. Fortunately, Susan has been able to find excellent nursing support which is in very high demand during the Covid pandemic. The cost of his nursing support is $20,000 per month for 12 hours per night. None of these expenses are covered by his Medicare or supplement insurance.
We are asking his many friends to contribute in order to defray this enormous, but very worthwhile and necessary expense. At this time, it is uncertain how long this level of support will be necessary, but it could be needed for many months or longer.
Let us do what we can to support our wonderful friends Brad, Susan and his sons, during these trying times.
Organizer and beneficiary
John Stamm
Organizer
Naples, FL
Susan Rockwood
Beneficiary