July 19, 2017
It has been over 10 weeks since Dave had his amputation surgery. He was fitted for a prosthesis and prepared to use it a few weeks ago, but due to some inflammation in his stump, he has yet to walk more than a few feet with his new prosthesis.
He will continue with physical therapy and surgeon instruction to walk as soon as possible.
The last 2 years have been a struggle filled with numerous setbacks. Keep praying for improvement and Dave's continued recovery.
April 29, 2017
Today, April 28th, Dave had his left lower leg amputated.
He is weak due to blood loss, surgery, weeks of infection and fighting a brave fight to keep his leg.
Sadly, bacteria and complications forced a dreaded decision.
For seven months, Dave has attempted to heal as best as he could. His number one goal has always been to return to Canisius and support those in much greater need.
There is only $232.00 left in the fund today. Your gifts paid for so many medical expenses. There are more to come.
Dave will need a prosthesis that likely will not be covered in full by his insurance. He will need more rehab and care once he returns home.
Again, insurance only covered wound care three times a week which likely led to the severity of his infection. Daily care is not covered.
There will continue to be frequent trips in his van to doctors. Gasoline and minimal reimbursement to compensate friendly drivers has cost hundreds.
Thank you for keeping Dave in your hearts and prayers.
April 16, 2017
April 15, 2017
It has been a long haul for Dave. He is still healing.
His surgeon gives him a 50% chance of keeping his leg if all goes well.
He remains thankful to all for your support in any way.
February 25, 2017
Dave's fund will be close to zero after his latest trip to Philadelphia.
For those who have donated, know that Dave could not have managed all the medical expenses without you. Dave chose Dr. Raikin in Philadelphia because Dr. Raikin gave Dave the hope of keeping his leg. He did not receive the same encouragement in Buffalo.
If each donor would ask one or two more Dave fans to give, it would be a big help.
February 25, 2017
Dave met with bone surgeon in Philadelphia on Friday February 24th. His bones are healing, but he still has foot ulcers to heal. He will have an angiogram of the left leg on Monday February 27th to try to open more arteries in the leg and improve circulation.
He expects to be home after Angiogram. He has one month to walk with wires on leg before he returns to Philly for a cast and no walking again.
Please cheer him on to walk a little more every day. His good friend Adam has escorted him on this last Philly trip and is determined to get Dave walking. Thank God for Adam and all who are helping in every way.
February 20, 2017
Thanks to all who continue to pray to Father Baker for a miracle.
Dave has been so grateful for donations which have helped with co-pays for CT scans, continued Hyperbaric treatments, train trips to Philly, and so much more.
There is about $5,000.00 left in the campaign.
The fundraising indicator shows all the contributions to date.
He lives for the day when he can return to Canisius and continue his life's work.
February 15, 2017
Please join us, with Dave, at:
Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna at 7P.M. on 2/16/2017.
It is Father Baker's 175th birthday and we are going to ask his intercession for a miracle.Anyone who can't go to Our Lady of Victory Basilica at 7PM on 2/16, please join us in prayer tomorrow for "Dave to be able to walk again and return to Canisius to serve God by caring for young boys as Father Baker did himself."
It is time to give Father Baker his 2nd miracle. It is more than time for Dave to find relief.
The link takes you to Father Baker's prayer
www.ourladyofvictory.org
Prayer can work miracles. We will trust in Father Baker through Jesus to heal Dave in the way that is best.
Dave has survived another 12 days of misery, only through the Grace of God. He was admitted to Buffalo General hospital on 2/2/2017 for 2 brain bleeds. This resulted in stopping the treatment for the 16 blood clots in his legs, putting his legs at further risk.
He had a special filter put in heart his heart to stop clots from getting to his lungs or brain. He returned to Elderwood in Lancaster and has resumed Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment to continue wound healing of his surgical foot.
He keeps smiling, just like the photo here.
January 21, 2017
Dave is still in great need of prayers, encouragement, and other support.
He returned to Philadelphia via Amtrak on 1/12/2017 to see his surgeon. His bones are healing better than expected, but he developed skin damage that is not healing. He also now has multiple deep blood clots in both legs.
He will be receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy at the Advanced Healing Wound Center on Harlem Road starting Monday 1/23/2017. He needs to have 30 treatments which consists of daily, 5 times a week, 2 hour treatments inside a chamber to pump more oxygen into his system to promote healing of the soft tissue in his foot. DAVE IS IN A RACE TO SAVE HIS FOOT AND LEG. This is harder than any other marathon because his other leg is not yet strong enough to help him walk.
The transportation costs $120.00 a day or a total of $3,600.00.
As always, may you be doubly blessed for your generosity.
December 17, 2016
Dave is back in Buffalo after a harrowing ride from Philadelphia in his new power chair in a wheelchair van driven by his buddy Phil.
He needs prayers and good wishes as much as ever to keep his spirits up after a temporary setback and additional surgery.
As always, he wishes all a very, very blessed holiday season and he can't begin to say how grateful he is for all that everyone has done.
November 20, 2016
Dave had surgery on 11/17. As only Dave would, he is smiling and showing off his new footwear.
1990 grad, Tony Militello, encourages all in class of '90 and others who owe Dave a debt of gratitude to send regards to Dave.
November 16, 2016
Today, November 15th, Dave flew to Philadelphia through the generous gift from "Wings of flight" a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families arrive safely and quickly when a commercial plane would not work.
The DeMarcos, pilot Joe, and wife administrator Denice, managed to get Dave to Philly in time to rest a day with his legs elevated prior to surgery on Thursday November 17th at Jefferson Hospital.
Thanks to Adam who facilitated Dave's comfy ride. Check out the new photo.
November 8, 2016
Thanks to you, Dave can safely enter and exit his home on his new ramp without the need for anyone to carry him out. Please go to Dave's photo album to see the ramp.
God Bless you for your generosity and concern.
October 31, 2016
Does anyone have an airline connection to transport a very charming man and his reclining power chair?
Dave must keep his leg elevated above his heart for 23 hours a day to ensure a successful surgery.
Dave can transfer to a reclining seat on a plane if there is support to elevate his legs or he can stay in his chair if there is room to recline.
He will need to be in Philadelphia prior to surgery on the 17th of November. He will need to return home 2 weeks afterwards in the same condition.
Thank you to all.
October 19, 2016
If you are planning on making a donation, it would be great if you can do so today! Please use the safe web site with this reputable charity to donate.
A charge card is the easiest way. Your donation is tax deductible made this way and in no way increases Dave's income.
