Joe and Dustin with medical and living expenses

Hi,

My name is Joe Webbmann, and I am writing this as I sit in the hospital ICU room watching my husband, Dustin, breathe from a ventilator. Those that know me, know I rarely ask for help but these last 7 weeks I needed all the help I could get from our family and friends. So many have come to help in the search of Dustin, get me to doctors’ appointments, or just check in to make sure I am taking care of myself.

On January 15, 2024, Dustin got up from his desk at work, got in his car and drove away. He parked his car and abandoned it alongside a river. Throwing his cell phone in the river and walking away from his life. During those first 48 hours we thought Dustin was dead due to suicide until we were able to get into a surveillance camera that captured him leaving. The thing we did not know is that Dustin is in a manic Bipolar episode. Everything he has done or did he most likely will not remember. I have spent the last 7 weeks trying to locate him and get him help.

On Tuesday February 27, 2024, Dustin was found in Farmington, Connecticut and was dropped off at a local hospital for an apparent overdose. His mom, Chris, and I, were finally notified and I have been by his side since that day. The good news is that Dustin body is recovering but slowly. However, he is not breathing on his own and is on a ventilator still. There is brain activity, but we don’t know of any brain damage just yet. Dustin’s medical care is going to financially ruin us because we are both out of work right now. After his medical issues are taken care of he will need rehab and then be admitted for psychiatric treatment.

In addition to all of this, I was diagnosed with cancer on January 12, 2024. The prognosis is good, but I have many doctors’ appointments and care. With everything happening at once I went down a dark path and have needed mental health care on top of this and because of everything I am on medical leave from work. Unfortunately, benefits have not kicked in and traveling to Connecticut, getting a hotel room, food, and having to pay all of Dustin and I’s bills I am afraid I will not be able to stay afloat.

Anything you can do to help Dustin and I during this extreme time. I am not expecting as much as I put into the fund, but anything will help at least keep me afloat while he is admitted.

This is a test to our marriage and our lives, but I will be sure to pay it forward once we are stable again and knowing Dustin, once he is back to himself, he will be right beside me as usual.