I am Penny Irilli. I have had the privilege of knowing Rick and Gail since their arrival in Sebring in August of 2018 In Rick's honor and for the love of Gail, I am creating this Go Fund Me in the hope that between all of us, we can somehow whittle down the astronomical costs and debts that have accumulated in the last 3 1/2 years while Rick and Gail were visiting a multitude of Doctors in trying to find a diagnosis for Rick's condition. The long and insurmountable quest was precipitated in August of 2019 when Rick began experiencing some weakness in his right leg. The journey was long and arduous and a diagnosis was not provided until June of 2024. Unfortunately, this diagnosis was ALS better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is an extremely progressive and debilitating disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which control the muscles throughout the body. When these nerve cells die, the brain can no longer send impulses (messages) to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement. During all of this time, Rick was receiving physical therapy both inside and outside of his home. As his condition continued to worsen Rick progressed from using a cane to a walker to a wheelchair to having to be lifted with a hoya lift from the bed to the chair to the bed. After two surgeries he was left with almost no mobility and a feeding tube. He was in and out of the hospital innumerable times as well as several various rehab facilities. The therapy both in and outside of the home never stopped. He was in and out of the hospital and ICU numerous times with different complications and still no diagnosis. Beginning early on in this horrible quest, it was necessary to transport Rick to and from the hospital and rehab facilities by medical transport. Since he was almost completely paralyzed a car was out of the question. Unfortunately, the medical facilities needed were in Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida as well as in Winter Park, Florida, while the rehabs were in even different locations. Needless to say, there were a lot of miles and dollars accumulated in transport services. In the last half year of Rick's life, he was transported to the ER on four different occasions. Finally, in June of 2024 after 3 1/2 years and another transported visit to yet another neurosurgeon in Tampa, Gail and Rick received their devasting news. It was ALS. June and early July brought three more transported visits to Tampa for more testing and treatments. On July 7th Rick entered Hospice for what was thought to be some treatment adjustments and pain management treatments to make life a little more bearable for Rick and to adjust some procedures for Gail. Rick never made it home and we lost him on July 14th. I share this devasting story with you so that hopefully you will get some sense of the colossal costs that have accumulated and will be willing in some small way to count your blessings and help us "pay it forward." Thank you so much for the time you have taken to read through this.
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