Steve (Paul) Hardcastle

Hello my name is Linda O'Neil and I am raising money to help a local family/friend who's life changed in an instant.

Please read below from Lara (Steve's wife)

We always hear that life can change in a split second, that life is short. I always knew this was true but until it happened to us, I don’t think I really took it to heart. Our lives absolutely changed in an instant one Friday night back in April when my husband of 22 years fell down a flight of stairs on his way up to bed. The fall resulted in Steve nearly dying from a severe brain bleed. He was Medivaced to a Trauma Hospital where he underwent an emergency craniectomy removing the left side of his skull to relieve the bleeding and relieve the pressure of the brain swelling. Steve eventually underwent 2 additional brain surgeries. After more than 3 months of ICU, Hospital and Inpatient Rehab, he is now back home but with a very long road ahead as he battles to overcome his Traumatic Brain Injury.

Steve has always been 10’ tall and bulletproof. He is a father to 2 sons, Jeffery (35) & Joshua (34), Grandpa to Claire (34 months) with another grandbaby on the way. Dad to 2 fur babies. He is a former US Marine of 11 years, a Master Scuba-Diver with thousands of dives, night, cave, cliff and search & rescue dives. He is a licensed Captain, an avid sailor with huge a passion for his 34’ Pearson sailboat. Steve excels as a Senior Engineer in technology.  He has traveled to more than 90 countries and is an active member of the Deerfield American Legion. And, an amazing cook! Steve is a little gruff on the outside but very caring and loving on the inside.  He is smart, stubborn and funny!

These have been the hardest and worst 4 months of our lives. In one moment, our world changed forever, and that devastating instant brought with it so many additional burdens. On top of all the everyday challenges, we are now contending with medical bills, cost for on-going medical care and rehabilitation, loss of income, substantial homecare costs and prescription costs. It is never easy to ask for help, but right now, we could truly use it.

In the midst of all the tears, heartbreak, steep challenges, uncertainty and exhaustion, we also still feel immensely grateful. We are so incredibly blessed to have the kindness and support of so many friends and family in our community and blessed with so much love, understanding and generosity from our work families. Our dearest friends have gone above and beyond, and I have no idea how we’ll ever be able to thank them.   Every kindness shown and every bit of help yet to come means so much to us. From the bottom of our hearts, we are deeply thankful.

Lara & Steve Hardcastle

Please consider a donation to help out.

Thankyou very much

Linda O'Neil