A Giving Habitat

I wish to give my thanks to Rep. Robert Schenk for the assistance he gave in identifying the proper channel to assist a friend with numerous medical challenges caused by undiagnosed diabetes. The good deeds were provided by Hernando-Pasco Hospice, which also serves the needy in Citrus County.

A year ago, while taking a morning walk in an adjoining neighborhood, a gentleman kindly waived and asked if I would be willing to bring his newspaper to him from the end of his driveway, which had a 30-degree grade. As requested, I handed the paper to him as he sat in a wheelchair; his left leg had been amputated above the knee. It had taken 2 ½ hours for someone to accommodate that simple request. He explained how five other people had ignored him. They were apparently assuming any help would result in further intrusions in their lives. Some of these people were long-time neighbors who were well aware of his handicaps.

Since that day, we have become the best of friends. My repeated offers of further assistance were refused because of his fear that he would be imposing on me to the point where yet another person would shun him. I assured him that would not be the case, but he was adamant about his decision. He is determined to be self-sufficient.

This past December he entered the hospital for surgery on his neck due to herniated disks. The operation went well but while in recovery he had a heart attack that required a triple-bypass. During this same period of time, his right foot became infected, requiring partial removal of the heel, further threatening his well being and creating another challenge in his life.

Until last month, Joe had never allowed himself to ask for assistance. Due to the development of gangrene of his right foot, Joe asked me for emotional support to a doctor’s visit for an evaluation. His fear was valid and I was pleased he was able to overcome his tendency to go it alone. Joe was adamant that he would not lose his remaining foot, or leg, yet he knew the consequence.

An MRI indicated a catheterization might save the leg. To date, it has proven to be a saving factor for his life. Through all of this, which all began two years ago; he has not been able to acquire a power wheelchair. My eventual impatience on the matter led me to writing a letter to Rep. Schenk, which resulted in a call from his office let me know Pasco-Hernando Hospice would be in contact.

Later that same day, I received a call from Hospice asking specific information and explained that, since Joe is not eligible for Medicare until next year when he turns 65, doctors are often faced with too many obstacles to convince an insurance company to provide such expensive healthcare equipment.

Today, Joe not only has an electric wheelchair but also a hospital bed to give him long-awaited ease of comfort. Hospice also rearranged some furniture to accommodate the equipment. After the first night in the luxury of the bed, Joe had the brightest smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He had gotten seven hours of solid, restful sleep that his conditions had robbed him of over these past 48 months.

Again, I thank Rep. Schenk for his time, understanding and action on this personal matter. Of course, Hernando-Pasco Hospice actually fulfilled the needs, and in such a timely fashion, that they receive my ultimate appreciation.

Hospice is a non-profit organization that offers a multitude of programs, including bereavement assistance for teens and adults experiencing traumatic events in their lives. Each hospice is independent and may offer different services than others. They rely on donations and volunteers to fulfill their objectives of assistance. No fees are incurred for the needy. Jane Freeman, Director of Public Relations at Hernando-Pasco, expressed her open arms address any group that would like further information on its services. Various locations are printed in the phone book.

As to the fateful newspaper delivery that affected Joe’s and my lives? Diabetes has taken a toll on yet another bodily function. His eyesight is failing him but his life is richer for the gifts bestowed on him.