Papa's Story

Dear friends,

On July 3, my 81 year old grandfather, Bill, was outside in the front yard trying to clean up after a terrible thunder storm hit our area of town. In the process of taking down a broken tree branch, he slipped on the curb and fell and broke his femur. He didn't know it at the time and continued through the pain until the next morning when he couldn't get out of bed. My grandmother, Val, called an ambulance and he was taken to Desert Springs Hospital. Within 48 hours, he was in surgery to have metal rods inserted into his leg. Over the course of a week, he was recovering slowly and was also dealing with unexplainable blood loss.

Despite not being physically well, after the first week he was transferred to a physical therapy/rehabilitation center. During his 3 week stay, he was mistreated by nursing staff, caught pneumonia, dealt with unhappy therapists, and was subjected to painful stick after stick of blood being drawn because they would not insert a PIC line. Just when we were completely fed up with the staff and their lack of care, they released him to go home.

Since being home for just over a week now, his health and wellness are not improving, and he is losing hope of getting better. He sits in his recliner and gets up only to eat and sleep. Needless to say, this has been very traumatic on our family.

At his side the entire time has been my grandmother. To say that she is "dealing with this is" a huge understatement. She is doing *everything* for him. He is basically a newborn. She has to care for him around the clock. Being 78 years old herself, this is no easy task. In addition to her normal care of him, she has to be his nursemaid and do everything from administer his medicine, help with his walker and physical therapy, and most recently his incontinence. She is physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Grandma is the rock of our family and I see her slowly being worn down.

Due to their financial, insurance and age statuses, they are struggling. It pains me to see such a wonderful pair of individuals hurt as bad as they are. I help as much as I can with food and emotional support, but I can't do it alone. I know they aren't as bad off as others, but they are just as much a worthy cause as anyone.

I'm asking for your help. And if not for me, consider your own grandparents or parents in this situation, and I'm sure you'd want to do the same. If you find it in your heart and wallet to be able to assist them, I know you will receive countless blessings from your service.

Here are some ways you can aid the Berg family:

1. Donate any amount through the Paypal button to allow Grandma purchase what she needs, whether it is medical necessities or groceries.

2. See our Amazon wish list and purchase items directly.

3. Send "get well" or "thinking of you cards" to Grandma or Papa's house.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to give. Even simple prayers can be felt.

If you wish to contact me directly, I can be reached at lasvegasteacher78@yahoo.com.

Xoxo,

Jennifer

My grandparents address:

5235 Hillman Ave.

Las Vegas, Nevada 89142