Updated: Ronald Meldrum Lives On (Deceased 3-2-23)

Background:On May 5th, our father, Ronald Meldrum, suffered a severe Ischemic stroke, & has been in the hospital ever since. After spending several weeks in the ICU, having multiple operations done at McLaren hospital in Michigan, he is at their facility, beginning the long journey to rehabilitation. Based on his condition, they say it's unlikely he will be able to walk again or live with full independence, let alone return to the workforce in the way he has done for so many years, if at all. Over the last seven years or so, our dad has become increasingly private & sometimes isolated, especially since the deaths of his beloved parents, with whom he was incredibly close. Because of this, we couldn't always keep a close pulse on our dad's life or home situation. We remained in touch, offering our Love, but there were some things which he just didn't reach out to ask for help with. Since this medical crisis, we've learned more about the state of his home and financial affairs. This, combined with the stroke, have created a difficult situation for us as we navigate how to establish a "new normal" for him.  We Need Your Help!:We are very blessed to have each other, to have our father, and to have Love that runs deeper than life circumstances. However, the amount of physical, psychological, and overall care he needs is more than our good intentions alone can manage. His long-term care will include 24/7 support, and will most likely necessitate that he be put into a care facility, at least in the short term. We are navigating the process of selling off what assets he does have, but are looking to our community of friends and family for support in this difficult time.  He currently carries significant financial debts, and will be accruing medical expenses quickly. In evaluating options, we anticipate his monthly care expenses will be in the $5,000 range (at a bare minimum). We will be leveraging what retirement funds he may have available, as well as any insurance, disability, and government aid we can solicit. However, the processes for those things run very slowly.Our hope is that our generous community can help us get through these first couple months to help establish a new life for him where he can be stable, medically cared for, and live his days with some level of peace and comfort. We will provide regular updates on his recovery, and appreciate all that you can contribute.With the deepest gratitude and thanks, ~The Meldrum children ( Joseph, Andrea, James, and Madeline)