My name is Danny (29), and I am the oldest of the five children of my father. My younger brothers and sisters still live with and very much depend on our parents. However, this year has proven difficult as circumstances have led Dad, their breadwinner, down a path unexpected and one where he is not currently able to work for an income. Our Dad, Frederick Robert, has served the US Army for 38 years, and he plans to make it to 40. Part of his career within the military began with the Airborne Divison, where Dad made a living out of jumping out of perfectly viable aircraft. With this, it comes as no surprise that after more than 30 years in the service, Dad would be informed that he would require medical assistance with his knees. Back around 2013, he had a "partial-partial" done, which was to remove a torn meniscus and a resurfacing of the bottom of the femur, and that had helped to alleviate some of the pain he was experiencing after his return from overseas. However, towards the end of 2024, Dad was informed that additional, partial-knee replacements would be necessary for both of his legs. Given that his first experience with knee surgery went well, we only expected the same moving into 2024. In March, Dad received his first partial of the year in his left knee from Cape Fear Valley Hospital. He underwent some physical therapy and recovered well. By May 1st, Dad received his partial knee replacement for his right knee from Cape Fear Valley Hospital, also underwent physical therapy, and showed signs of recovery. However, by May 29th, I had called my Dad to wish him a Happy Birthday, only to find out that things had taken a downturn... By June 1st, Mom had taken his temperature (101.5F) and drove him to the VA hospital in Fayetteville, NC. There, the hospital had determined that Dad's right knee was infected, and the surgeon who originally performed the surgery was contacted immediately. The following day, June 2nd, Dad would undergo another surgery. This time, the doctors had gone in and removed the plastic piece(s) and replaced them with new ones. They had scrubbed the metal components with antiseptic soap, and they placed a wound vacuum inside and around the entry point. He was set up with both IV and oral antibiotics. However, despite incredible efforts, it was not immediately clear if the infection was staphylococcus or MRSA, so we were all still very worried about outcomes, as there was a real possibility that our Dad would have to undergo amputation. By June 8th, it was determined to be staphylococcus or "staph" infection (the less harmful one), and Dad was released from the hospital and began receiving home health care. A PICC line was embedded to administer IV antibiotics three times a day. Nurses visited once a week to draw labs and monitor his recovery. However, by June 14th, Dad's right knee had begun leaking fluid, and a nurse came to the house to reapply the wound vacuum to help with the leaking. By the 16th, Mom had driven Dad to the surgeon's office, because Dad's knee was continuing to leak fluids. Though they were able to clean things up, they informed us that Dad would need yet another surgery. So, by June 20th, Dad was admitted to the hospital again, and this time they had to remove ALL of the partial knee components. The infection, by this point, had eaten through much of the skin and bone. The doctors had fitted him with an antibiotic spacer, which left Dad's right leg without a knee. By June 23rd, he was discharged from the hospital and he returned home with new antibiotics and a hospital bed. As of now, he still takes IV antibiotics four times a day, and he receives four nurse visits a week (three of which are for redressing the wound). As it stands currently, Dad cannot walk without the support of a walker. My most current update is from July 13th, when I was informed by Mom that Dad will need to remain immobilized until the 23rd of August. By that date, the doctors will reevaluate and test the fluid in his right knee, and if it is without infection, they will move forward with preparing Dad for a full-knee replacement on September 15th. With all of this going on, doctors are predicting that Dad will not be able to return to work until December 2024 at the earliest. To this point, Dad has already used/borrowed 2 years' worth of sick time and he is not receiving a paycheck. Right now, Mom and my little brothers and sisters have been trying to keep the house in order and uphold the status of things around the yard the way Dad would, but they have admitted to me that his shoes are hard to fill. Our Dad has given his all for his country, and he would love nothing more than to continue serving. With that, any help would be greatly appreciated at this time. Not just funds, but groceries and other essentials to help my family get through this trying year.
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