Rick Moody's Recovery

I know that my Mom (who is one of the strongest, self-dependent people I know), Lisa Moody, would never ask for help, but I also know that she truly needs it.

My (step) Dad, Rick Moody, suffered a bloodborne infection that went undetected by medical professionals for several weeks.

At the point that it became blatantly obvious, he already had vegetative growth in the atrial valve of his heart that had partially broken off and gone to his brain, causing multiple small strokes that have caused him to have extensive physical and mental deficits.

The neurologists feel like he will regain the largest majority of the deficits.

However, a TEE exam of his heart revealed mitral valve damage-causing leakage from the valve and a large vegetative growth that can also break apart and go to his brain at any time.

The Cardiovascular Surgeon said that the mitral valve has to be replaced.

We are racing the clock because he needs at least three to four more weeks of IV antibiotics before they can replace the mitral valve.

We are praying that his condition doesn't worsen before they are able to replace it.

After they replace the valve, he can start more extensive therapy to help him to regain what he has lost.

My (step) Dad has worked in law enforcement of some form for his entire life.

He has always been the type of person who believes in treating everyone who he has come into contact with in his career deserves dignity, respect, and a second chance, if they offer the same, and they desire a second chance.

He is also a Shriner who is dedicated to helping children in need.

He has dedicated numerous hours and days of his time off from work organizing fundraisers for the Shriners and also for other community projects such as the local Sr. Citizen's Center, etc.

My Mom worked in nursing for 30-plus years, starting out as a nursing assistant in a nursing home at the age of 15 before attending nursing school.

She recently had to retire due to longterm health issues that left her unable to work any longer.

Other than her small retirement check, my (step) Dad's income is their only income.

They are looking at a longterm acute hospital setting stay in addition to a longterm inpatient skilled hospital setting stay that is only available two hours away from their small town rural home.

The specialists are telling my Mom that they are looking at several months between acute care and therapeutic care.

All funds raised will go towards my (step) Dad's care and any other needs that he may have.

Gas money, food and lodging (for the periods of time that he is in ICU and my Mom isn't allowed to stay the night with him) for my Mom.

And, for any other needs that may arise for them as they navigate through this long and difficult journey.

I know that they would be extremely grateful for any financial help that you might be able to offer them, but especially for your prayers for his complete healing without any further complications.

My Mom has always told me to be sure that you are kind, caring, giving and loving towards everyone you meet because you never know when life will throw you the unexpected and you are no longer able to be a blessing towards others.

This ordeal has certainly brought her words home for me.

God bless you, and thank you, for every single prayer that you are able to offer up for my (step) Dad and our entire family during this difficult time.

With Love and Gratitude,

Trevor