Jerry Varland

As many of you know, our Dad had a stroke on Friday, September 1st up at the cabin in Siren Wisconsin.  We rushed him to the hospital in Spooner Wisconsin where he was treated with TPA immediately.  He was then airlifted to St. Marks in Duluth where they could better care for him.  On Friday, Dad experienced a morning of seizures which could be an outgrowth of the stroke, as well as a small brain bleed.  Saturday was spent treating the seizures with 3 different seizure medications.  Good news is that the seizures seem to have stopped.  Dad has remained relatively non-responsive which could be due to the high levels of seizure meds which often make people groggy.   The neurologist did tell us today that we should expect "significant improvement" in the days and weeks to come.  Dad opens his eyes, and turns to our voices.  He tries to respond but his speech is very garbled.  


We want to thank so many of you who have reached out already with calls, emails, texts and offers for help.  Dad is one of the most loved people on this planet and it shows. 


We have a long road ahead of us.  Ideally we'd like to get Dad back to Cincinnati but we don't know when that will be.  Minneapolis is an option too.  "One day at a time" they keep telling us which doesn't sit well with "planner" Mom!  😀  Mom is hanging in there.  She's overwhelmed and worried but she has a whole army of people who care and will help.  


We love you all - most of all Dad, Bestefar, Bessie, Jer, Jerry.  One of the best men we know.


Jen Hawley and Joel Varland