Just a little over a month ago, our lives changed forever. My little brother, Justin Klinglesmith, was rushed to the hospital after doctors discovered multiple abscesses throughout his spine. What they found was devastating. His entire spine was infected with MRSA along with a secondary bacterial infection. Those infections quickly spread to his kidneys and, ultimately, to his heart. The damage to his heart was so severe that Justin had to undergo open-heart surgery to replace both his mitral and aortic valves with mechanical valves.
Before surgeons could even attempt to save his heart, he first had to undergo emergency spine surgery to remove one of the abscesses and clean out as much of the infection as possible. Justin also spent far longer on a ventilator than expected due to serious complications. Although he has made incredible progress, his fight is far from over. He still faces multiple additional spine surgeries to remove the remaining infection and repair the extensive damage caused by the abscesses. Doctors expect him to remain hospitalized for several more weeks while he continues receiving powerful IV antibiotics and remains under close medical supervision.
Because of the mechanical heart valves, Justin will now require lifelong blood-thinning medication and frequent blood work several times each week for the rest of his life to ensure the medication remains at safe levels. As overwhelming as the medical challenges have been, the financial burden has become just as frightening. Justin's employer has been incredibly supportive throughout this ordeal, but unfortunately, he ultimately lost his job because of the length of his hospitalization. With the loss of his job came the loss of his health insurance. Justin and his fiancée, Renee, now have no income coming into their household. Just months before this happened, they purchased their first home together. Now, they are facing the heartbreaking possibility of losing it.
We are working tirelessly to apply for every available financial assistance program for his medical expenses, but so far, we have not had much success. His hospital bills are expected to exceed $2 million. Even if assistance covers a significant portion of those costs, the remaining expenses will still be overwhelming. In the meantime, they are relying on credit cards simply to pay for everyday necessities, creating even more debt that will need to be repaid. When Justin is finally able to come home, another challenge begins. At this time, he is unable to walk. His home will require major accessibility modifications before he can safely return, including a wheelchair ramp, walk-in shower, and grab bars. These modifications are costly but essential, and urgent living expenses like mortgage, utilities, and food are mounting quickly.
Here's a rough estimate of what Justin may face:
Expense Estimated Cost:
Mortgage and utilities (6–12 months) $15,000–$30,000
Living expenses (food, transportation, etc.) $10,000–$20,000
Home accessibility modifications (ramp, walk-in shower, grab bars, widening doorways if needed) $20,000–$60,000+
Medical equipment and supplies$5,000–$15,000
Ongoing travel, prescriptions, lab work, rehabilitation$10,000–$25,000
Credit card debt accumulated during hospitalization: Varies greatly
What makes this even more heartbreaking is that none of this happened without reason. Justin's health crisis began after he survived a horrific car accident in which a semi-truck ran over the top of his vehicle. The accident fractured his back, creating the conditions that ultimately led to the spinal abscesses and devastating infections that nearly took his life. Through every surgery, every setback, and every difficult day, Justin has continued to fight. He has always been one of the hardest-working people I know. He built a life he was proud of, worked hard to buy his home, and looked forward to a bright future with his fiancée. Today, he is terrified that the life he worked so hard to build may be slipping away. While there is no guaranteed prognosis, we remain hopeful and continue praying for his recovery.
Renee is actively searching for work, but finding employment is also difficult because when Justin is finally able to come home, she will be his primary caregiver. She will be responsible for driving him to and from doctor’s appointments, surgeries, lab draws, rehabilitation, and helping him safely get around the house every day.
If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, it will help ease the tremendous financial burden facing Justin and his family. If you are unable to give, please share his story and keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during the most difficult time our family has ever faced.
