Stroke recovery for Rich Hensel and his family

On New Year’s Eve, Rich Hensel— a healthy 54-year-old whose wife has just finished treatments for an aggressive cancer— suffered a debilitating stroke.

The current breadwinner for his family, which includes two sons, 14-year-old Ales and 12-year-old Erik, Rich is now unable to speak or write. His motor functions are impaired. After a week in the ICU in a neurological center in Prague, where he and his family live, he has been moved to a regular floor and will soon be transferred to an intensive rehab center. In addition to some hospital-related expenses, there will be significant costs incurred for long-term rehabilitation that we hope will lead him back into some semblance of a normal life. He will be unable to work or earn any income for the foreseeable future. His wife Jitka had to leave her job because of her illness.

Many people have asked what they can do to help this American/Czech family that has experienced too many tragedies over the past year. They have a lot of love and emotional support, but financial challenges unfortunately will be a theme in the months ahead. Any contributed amount, no matter how small, will help ease the burdens for all of them.

Thanks sincerely to all of you for your well wishes, your concern, and your friendship.