My name is Leslie Darlymple, and I’m reaching out to ask for help for my dear friend, Karen Mitchell, as she continues caring for her only brother, Keith.
In April of this year, Karen’s world changed overnight. Keith, who lives in Rome, Georgia, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with multiple serious medical issues, including septic shock, respiratory failure, a GI bleed, severe anemia, critically low blood pressure, and other complications.
Karen immediately booked a flight from Billings, Montana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, rented a car, and drove straight to Floyd Medical Center. When she arrived, she received heartbreaking news: doctors had discovered a 7.7 cm mass in the upper lobe of Keith’s left lung that is inoperable.
After spending time in the ICU, Keith was moved to the medical floor, where he remained until June 12. He was then transferred to inpatient rehabilitation until July 7, followed by a stay at Harborview Nursing Home.
While at the nursing home, Keith became deeply despondent. He desperately wanted to go home—to see his beloved dogs, look out at the trees, and return to the home where he had lived for 36 years.
Karen made it her mission to bring him home.
She told me that Keith deserves to be in his own home, surrounded by the familiar things and memories he loves, with dignity, comfort, peace, and respect. On July 22, Karen brought Keith home.
Their story is also a reflection of the love they learned from their mother, Betty. Karen told me that their mother raised them to be loving siblings who always take care of one another, especially when life becomes difficult. Karen has carried that lesson in her heart, and today she is living it every day.
Keith is now home on hospice, and Karen is his sole caregiver. She is there with him around the clock, 24/7, providing his meals, personal care, medications, comfort, and everything else he needs while coordinating with Transitions Hospice.
Hospice has been incredibly supportive, providing medications, medical supplies, and regular nursing and CNA visits. But there are many essential expenses that hospice does not cover, including groceries, food, personal care items, and private caregivers.
Because Keith is completely bed-bound and requires total assistance, Karen cannot simply leave the house to run errands, grocery shop, or attend her own medical appointments. When she needs to step away, she must arrange and pay for private sitters to stay with Keith.
Karen would do absolutely anything for her brother. She has left her own home and put her life on hold so she can be there for him during this incredibly difficult time. But as much as she wants to give Keith everything he needs, she also needs the ability to care for herself.
The emotional and physical demands of providing 24/7 care are enormous. Having the ability to hire a trained CNA or caregiver for even a few hours at a time would give Karen a much-needed opportunity to rest, run errands, attend her own appointments, and simply recharge so she can continue being there for Keith.
Karen is determined to give her brother the very best care possible for whatever time they have together. My heart hurts for both of them, and I’m hoping we can surround them with the same love and support that Karen has given Keith so selflessly.
If you are able to donate, every dollar will make a difference and help Karen provide Keith with the care, comfort, and dignity he deserves. If you aren’t able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others. And if you can, please keep Keith and Karen in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, support, and compassion mean more than you know.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about Karen and Keith and for helping them through this difficult chapter.
