I want to tell you about my fallen hero, David Hicks...and to continue his fight for all Veterans with ALS...as a matter of fact for every PAL in the state of WV.
He lived with the diagnosis of ALS for almost 14 years. August of 2017 he became ill and was hospitalized. Hospitalization was something we were always able to prevent in the past but this time he was just too I’ll. Being this sick we knew what was coming next. It happens to every ALS patient that chooses to keep fighting. The dreaded vent. We were educated almost 14 years prior to this moment and knew we were headed out of state if he survived . Bland,Virginia became our home for 14 months. Fourteen months of me making the 2.5 hr trip averaging 8 days a month. 99.9% of the time alone, thru snow and ice storms.
He never complained, he was truly a man of God that found himself content no matter what state he may find himself in. But it was difficult never the less. We were cast out and away from those we loved. From our support group, from our family, from all that we knew.
My insurance was needed to assist in his care, I had to continue to work. So he only had me part time. His condition prevented what used to be our constant and consistent form of contact which was phone conversations and texting. So we were separated from one another.. Me living in WV him living in Virginia.
How can one heal and become whole again without being surrounded by those they love. How can healthcare in WV be in such a sad place that we cannot care for our own? No long term health care facilities in WV that accepts vent patients? Do you realize how the needs of the people of this state are changing and nursing home residents are becoming younger and younger. Medical science has advanced, and continues to advance, yet we live in the dark ages in WV. Residents of this state deserve better... Veterans of this state deserve better than they are getting.
I’ve been told that it’s very expensive and costly to do ventilator care in nursing homes in WV. Trust me, it’s expensive in Virginia as well. Plus the cost of gas, wear and tear on the vehicle, motels if I had to stay not to mention food. Nothing about healthcare is cheap or affordable, but in WV we just find it unavailable.

Dave Hicks had to fight the hardest battle of his life without his family and friends near, simply because WV will not and does not accept vent patients in Long Term Care Nursing Facilities. This could easily be you and your family one day. Sickness or an accident could result in vent placement that may require additional time for the weaning process. What happens when you haven’t the resources for home care? When the nursing requirements are a bit more than routine, they of course cost more. What about power outages? Not to mention all the other necessary utilities that even brief interruptions would create chaos. What I’m trying to say is long term nursing is the only option for some... and in WV it isn’t even a consideration. Are vent patient being discriminated against? Is this lack of care in the state the reason some opt to just slip away rather than fight. I know many that are alive and kicking and now back in their homes after long term vent weaning. I know others that are getting that treatment now out of state and most likely will be home soon. I know others that had to transition to their heavenly home without their loved ones because there was no money, gas, car or ability to be there.

#HicksUnited was birthed to stand in the gap for those without a voice. For that PAL or that Veteran that needs someone to fight for them when they can no longer fight for themselves.

HELP US FIGHT!!