Steven Whitney's recovery fund ♡

Our names are Alana & Sarah, and we are initiating this fundraiser on behalf of our Dad, Steve Whitney who suffered a massive basilar artery stroke on June 23rd.  Not only is this type of stroke extremely rare, but the condition he is left in happens in only around 1% of survivors.  Dad has ‘Locked-in Syndrome’ or LIS which means he is essentially completely paralyzed with the only means of communication being moving his eyes vertically, with Up for Yes, and Down for No.  He is fully cognitively intact, hears everything, sees everything, feels everything, but is like the name states, 'locked-in' his own body.  Most physicians have not even seen a patient like this and the only specialized rehab program is at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, IL where Dr. Harvey has treated a total of 72 patients in this condition.  Unfortunately, Dad’s insurance coverage covers NOTHING out of state leaving us to pay almost 350K out of pocket not including all his equipment and special home adjustments he will need upon return (hopefully home) after 8 weeks of therapy.  Dad is leaving for Chicago on Monday 8/22.  We encourage everyone to look up Shirley Ryan Ability Lab on Facebook or their website to see exactly what kind of miracles happen here which we can only hope & pray will come true for our Dad.  This is the only chance Dad has of getting back any mobility to get him the strength he needs to continue to fight for his life. 

Those of you who know our father, know what a strong man he is, determined, active, loving, supportive. The best father, grandfather, brother, son, husband, friend anyone could ask for! Up to the day of his stroke, he was working for the same company he had since 1979, playing the game he loves every Friday (golf), very active in his grandchildren's lives - enjoyed being that fan at the baseball and softball games to disagree with calls, going to dance recitals, sleepovers with the littles, etc. Dad has supported our family since day one, now it's our turn to support him. Please help us fight for our Dad!