Providing Basic Needs For Jim Baker

This is my brother Jim. He’s also a much loved  husband, father, uncle and friend. 

Five years ago Jim’s wife of 32 years, Cynthia, had a major stroke. He found her right away, kept a level head and immediately dialed 911. He carried her downstairs while talking and singing to her until emergency crews arrived. 

He lives more than an hour from the nearest hospital so she was flown out in a helicopter in order to receive urgently needed medical care. 

Jim stayed  at Cynthia’s bedside day and night at the hospitals and rehab facility learning how to care for her until she was able to come home. 

Their lives were forever changed. Cynthia needed 24 hour care so Jim took care of her and worked as often as he could. He has now cared for her for more than 5 years. 

Cynthia was also diagnosed with diabetes and has hypertension. 

While managing and physically caring for Cynthia’s medical needs Jim has also needed to chop and stack wood in order to keep their house heated during winter months. Shovel snow, household chores, cook and even takes time to brush Cynthia’s hair daily and put it in a ponytail for her. 

With Jim’s dedication and commitment Cynthia has made progress but still needs to be cared for. 

Recently, Jim began to have unexplained substantial weight loss. He also started having episodes of dizziness and felt like he was going to black out. 

He’s experienced partial black outs, ongoing excessive coughing and has a difficult time breathing along with extreme fatigue with little or no exertion. 

Jim saw his doctor who ordered X-rays and a CT Scan. Both showed he has Pulmonary Fibrosis. 

There is no cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis. It is a terminal progressive lung disease that only gets worse. The average life expectancy once diagnosed is 3 to 5 years. 

There is no treatment that can reverse the damage to the lungs. 

There is only supportive treatment. Meaning oxygen and potentially a ventilator to breathe for him. Another form of treatment is a lung transplant. 

With this severe lung disease Jim is no longer able to work. 

As a family we are devastated. Jim has always been very capable, physically fit, strong and someone who could always be counted on. Jim has been very much involved in the lives of his family and friends. 

Since Jim and Cynthia are no longer able to work we are asking for financial contributions and donations. All donations are tax deductible. 

Some of the things financial contributions are needed for are; food, utilities, bills and any medical expenses not covered by insurance. Also, gas and vehicle maintenance as there will be many trips to town for doctors appointments.

Jim and Cynthia live in a high elevation which makes it more difficult for Jim to breathe. They will eventually need to move to a lower elevation for his lungs. So contributions will also help them relocate so Jim can breathe more comfortably for as long as possible. 

Any contribution will be welcomed and very much appreciated by Jim and his entire family. 

We ask that you share this Go Fund Me with all of your family, friends and contacts. 

As a family we thank you with all of our hearts for your love and support! 

Thank you for helping us provide life’s basic needs and a quality of life for both Jim and Cynthia.