Support Terry Carter's Fight for Recovery and Justice

In the past few months, my family has faced more challenges than we ever imagined possible. My father, Terry Carter, has been battling Antiphospholipid Syndrome, a condition that has caused catastrophic health issues affecting multiple organs. On April 15th, he was rushed to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a subdural hematoma. Since then, he's undergone several surgeries and faced life-threatening complications, some of which have been exacerbated by Atrium Health.

Our Family:

- Terry Carter, My Father: A retired law enforcement officer from Davie County who has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community. He has been a steadfast supporter of community oriented programs that support those living with disabilities. Terry was born with spina bifida and has always believed in helping people overcome the challenges they are faced with.

- Teresa Carter, My Mother: A dedicated school administrator who has always prioritized education and the well-being of her students. She also served on the board of Davie County Family Promise, working to help families in need. She believes strongly that all students, regardless of their background and circumstances, should be offered the same opportunities and tools they need to succeed.

- Caleb Carter, Myself: A candidate for ordination in the Moravian Church, a community activist working in nonprofits, focusing on racial justice, LGBTQIA inclusion, and advocating against gun violence. I currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

- Benjamin Carter, My Brother: An undergraduate student studying computer science, balancing his studies with the emotional strain of our dad’s condition. Ben goes to school remotely and helps by taking care of the house and animals so that mom can be with dad most of the time.

Timeline of Events:

- April 15: Dad admitted with a subdural hematoma.

- April 16: Surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

- April 18: Embolization to seal off blood vessels and prevent further bleeding.

- April 19: Discharged from the hospital.

- April 23: Readmitted with a kidney infection and dehydration.

- April 27: Surgery to remove infection from his skull and brain.

- April 29: Another surgery due to complications from incorrectly administered antibiotics.

- June 6: Discharged again.

- June 7: Readmitted with a blood clot in his lung.

- July 5: Intubated after severe complications, with doctors giving near-zero chance of survival just two days later.

During these critical moments, we faced immense pressure from the hospital to remove life-sustaining care. Our pleas for alternative treatments and our citations of studies from UNC and other universities around the world were dismissed. The hematology team completely disengaged from our discussions at this point, and when we refused to remove care, the hospital reinstated visitation restrictions, which were already legally questionable and violated my parents' spiritual care rights (I’m their designated clergy). When challenged, the hospital called security on me and threatened the entire family. This is never acceptable, and we held our ground.

Despite these adversities, on July 10th, dad began waking up. By July 11th, the ventilator settings were reduced, and his vitals improved. On July 12th, his kidney function started to return. Dad is now responsive and slowly regaining strength. His fight to live has proven that he is far from giving up.

Why We Need Your Help:

Our family has always believed in the power of community. We have done everything we can to support our family, friends, neighbors, and those in need. Now, we find ourselves in a position where we need extra help.

My mother has been by my dad's side every single night, and I have traveled from Birmingham, Alabama, to support them. The financial strain of hospital food, travel costs, and pending legal fees is overwhelming. We are turning to our community for support because we need help to cover these costs and continue advocating for my dad.

Here are the specific needs your contributions will support:

- Food Costs: Hospital food is expensive, and my mom needs proper nutrition to stay strong.

- Travel Expenses: Frequent travel between Birmingham and Winston-Salem is costly. Driving back and forth from our family home in Davie County is also costly.

- Bills: Everyday expenses are beginning to pile up. I am out of paid leave and have decided to remain with mom and dad as long as this takes, even if that means selling my home and car.

- Legal Fees: We are facing potential legal battles to ensure my dad receives fair treatment and that Atrium Health is held accountable for their corporate behaviors.

My dad is fighting to get out of that bed and out of this hospital. We are determined to not only advocate for him but also raise awareness about what actually goes on at this hospital. We continue to reach out to doctors around the state that are doing research on dad’s condition. Your generosity will make a significant difference in our lives and help us continue this fight. I’m committed to staying here for the duration.

Please consider donating, sharing our story, and praying for our family. Your support means the world to us during this critical time. Together, we can help Terry Carter recover and ensure that he receives the care and justice he deserves.

Thank you for standing with us.

NOTE: My dad has always related to the Book of Job. And these few verses cause me to think about the anguish he has endured and continues to navigate as well as the strength that comes from the presence, advocacy, and help of loved ones and friends.

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his home—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to go and console and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their heads. They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. - Job 2:11-13

UPDATE: Dad tragically passed away on August 21st after several missteps by the doctors and hospital administrators at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. This did not have to end this way, but arrogance and negligence (and money) won the day and took a life. Dad was laid to rest beside his mom on August 26th. We have closed this fundraiser. Thanks to all who supported.