Support Merrill's Recovery from Drive-By Shooting
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This is the bullet still in his chest.
This is the plate that was put in during surgery.
Hi, my name is Julie and I'm Merrill's SIL.
On Friday night, November 15th, Merrill, his son, and a friend were eating at a restaurant when they got caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting. Merrill was an innocent bystander and got shot. It was supposed to be a great weekend of surfing with Merrill and his son. Unfortunately, his weekend was cut short and now Merrill is currently in the hospital with a bullet 1 cm away from his aorta. The bullet went through his left arm and shattered his humerus, then pierced his lung, and is currently residing 1 cm from his aorta. As a family, we call it one of God's tender mercies; had the bullet not shattered his humerus, it more than likely would have had enough energy to penetrate his aorta. We are also very grateful that his son did not get hit.
On 11/17, he had surgery to repair his arm; he got screws and a plate. He is in constant pain, on oxygen, had a blood transfusion, has fluid in his lungs, and at this point, the doctors don't think they will remove the bullet because it is too risky. He is still having issues with his lungs and the position of the bullet.
We have been told that his friend who was also shot was released from the hospital today on 11/18, and we continue to pray for his recovery.
At this time, we haven't been given how long he will be staying in the hospital and how many other procedures he will need. Merrill is a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His loving wife, Jeany, has taken off work so she can be at the hospital with Merrill. Merrill is self-employed, and a lot of things are unsure regarding the length of time in the hospital, his recovery, rehabilitation, and the time off from work he will need. He faces a long, uncertain journey towards recovery, and his family can use financial support.
Every dollar you contribute will go directly toward his medical expenses, ongoing treatments, therapy, and critical care needs. Your support will help him access the care he needs to rebuild his life and ease the immense financial burden on him and his family.
If you're able, please consider making a donation or sharing this story with your network. Even the smallest amount makes a difference. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
Update on 11/26: Thank you family, friends, and community! Merrill is home, and begins the process of healing and adjusting to life with his current health problems. We continue to prayer for his recovery, especially as he struggles with lung problems. Attached is a news interview.
https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/oceanside-man-shot-in-suspected-drive-by-shooting-during-surfing-trip
Update: 11/28/24 Merrill had to go back to the hospital as he was trying to figure out pain complications related to his injury.
Update 12/4/24: No words can truly express the thankfulness that Merrill and his wife Jeany feel from your support. Thank you! Attached is a news interview from Santa Cruz area, where the shooting incident occurred.
Update 12/5/24: Another news video and interview with both victims.
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie Roberts
Organizer
Oceanside, CA
Jeanine Roberts
Beneficiary