David Burks Fight DAVID Fight!

David's 'Road To Victory'


On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, after spending the day poolside in the warm, Caribbean sun, David returned to his Stateroom # 9632 on the Disney Dream for some rest before dinner. Though he was exhausted from the heat and the wonderful, adventurous days before with his wife, children, grandchildren, brother and sister in law, Eileen encouraged him to dress in his new, blue shirt and make his way to dinner at the Royal Palace. It was a birthday celebration night for many of the 13 family members aboard! The dinner server's, Jess and Emiel, welcomed the family with delicious horderves and drinks.


The Disney Dream set sail into the deep and wide open blue. About an hour into dinner, David became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest. Eileen, David's wife, immediately stood up and called out loud with great clarity and strength for a medical team, a doctor and a defibrillator. She was the first to respond. Then, two very brave and courageous fellow guests on the ship took immediate action. Elaine, the first angel, whom it was later discovered is a nurse who lives in Las Vegas began chest compressions. As she fatigued, a tall man, an EMT leaped across the dinner tables and continued intervention. That man was never seen by the family again on the ship. They are forever grateful for their Disney Dream Angels.


David was rushed to medical unit on the Disney Dream. There, the medical team worked to fully revive him. As his family entered, they were overjoyed to witness his cries of agony! He was breathing! His strength and fight which later proved to be a great attribute, made it difficult for the team to stabilize him. He was intubated and continued to receive intervention.


By the Grace of God, the Captain of the Disney Dream agreed with the medical staff and turned the ship around (about an hour away) back to the beautiful island of Nassau, Bahamas. There, Eileen, rode with him and the medical team by ambulance to the Doctors Hospital. His brother and sister in law, Uncle Dan and Aunt Janet, and a cruise representative traveled by car to the hospital.


In the hospital, while his family anxiously awaited updates through the dark hours of the night, he suffered continued heart failure. The physician suspected multiple blood clots and administered medications to break up the blood clots.


Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Once again, the Lord's hands provided David with yet another chance. He was stable enough to be airlifted by a medical flight to The Holy Cross Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in the evening.


He did well throughout the flight and transferred to the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit after intake exams and additional intervention. The team of physicians, nurses and staff at Holy Cross are incredible. A lot has happened between Wednesday and today, Sunday, November 11th! On Friday, November 9, 2018, David celebrated his 64th birthday by being extubated and coming out of sedation! He even OPENED HIS EYES AND NODDED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS!


Since then, he continues to be stable. Engages in conversations before tiring and resting intermittently. He wants to hear his ‘story’ on repeat, finds security in his family members being at his bedside.


Sunday, November 11, 2018.

At this time, he continues to be in critical condition but shows great improvements each minute, hour and day that passes. David is a fighter and is in the Hands of our Almighty Lord and Savior. He will watch those EAGLES soar tonight and beat those cowboys! His eldest son promised a trip to the big game when the Eagles make it! David said he would put together the itinerary.



‘And He will raise you up on eagles' wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.’