We are coming together to help a very special community member in need. Tony Perez is a Wisconsin Rapids resident, who many of you may know if he was your mailman, coworker, neighbor, or friend! Tony always brings smiles to everyone he meets!
Please join us in raising funds to assist with providing Tony with the essential medical equipment needed for caring for Tony with his quadriplegic condition. On Oct 6th, 2024, Tony fell down several stairs while carrying a box. By the time EMS arrived, he was unable to breathe on his own, as he suffered contusions of his C4, C5 and partial contusions to his C6-C8. These injuries have resulted in a lifelong fight. He was unable to move, feel, or breathe on his own, requiring sedation and intubation.
On Oct 8th, 2024, surgeons conducted a procedure to allow the swelling in Tony's back and neck to expand, to preserve the nerve fibers to remain intact. Unfortunately, the procedure was unsuccessful, with the result being a tracheostomy and g-tube being placed. A few days later, it was discovered that he had then developed a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in one of his lungs, along with a bacteria causing pneumonia. On Oct 18th, a pacemaker was placed as an added precaution in the event he went into cardiac failure. Unfortunately, at that time, Tony was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.
Through hours of research, the family found the best spinal cord rehab hospital/facilities in the country and began the process to see if Tony was a suitable candidate for treatment. Tony is now in Craig Hospital in Denver, CO. The financial toll has just begun. Tony is no longer able to work, as well as his wife, Annette, who has dedicated herself to caring for others as a Medical Assistant. Annette will need her care for Tony 24/7. Tony & Annette are two genuine, generous, hard-working individuals that are now facing one of the toughest obstacles in life. *Tony is a veteran; he selflessly served his country for 18 years in the US Navy, has been a USPS employee for over a decade, and was looking forward to finally retiring in just a few months to spend time with family, and especially, his beloved grandchildren. Tony & Annette are now faced with the reality of navigating hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, out of state rehabilitation costs, purchasing a handicap accessible vehicle, installing a home ramp, extensive remodeling so his wheelchair can fit through every doorway/shower, etc., as well as the cost of all their normal daily living and household expenses. Tony's wheelchair is larger than most, as it's fitted with equipment that allows him to use a tube, he blows in to operate.
Tony's current update: Tony's first weeks at Craig have been amazing. He is fighting with everything he has. He has been weaned off the ventilator, is able to speak, eat regular food, and finally had his first diet coke. He is still having issues with blood pressure. He has not regained any use of his hands or legs. He has been taught how to navigate his mobility chair through a breathing tube, as well as the voice activated system for him to navigate his daily living such as answering the phone, locking the doors and turning the tv on to name a few. In true Tony fashion, he has kept his positive, can-do attitude and great sense of humor through all these challenges.
Tony's current update 1/17/2025. Tony has been transferred to a VA Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. He will reside at the hospital until his home has been remodeled to accommodate his medical equipment and accessibility within his home.
The event is scheduled for February 22, 2025. The tickets will be drawn to select the winners of each raffle item at 3:00PM Central Standard Time. Tickets are available online and at event. These tickets are NOT for the basket raffles. They are strictly for donated items of a $300.00 value or higher.
WE ARE STILL AWAITING ADDITIONAL RAFFLE ITEMS AND WILL BE ADDED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED SO CHECK BACK OFTEN TO SEE WHAT OTHER ITEMS HAVE BEEN ADDED.
We live in such an amazing community, and we all thank you in advance for any way you can help support Tony & Annette Perez in their time of need!
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, TOGETHER FOR TONY MEMBERS!
