Pete Robichaud

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Today is a great day!  After many prayers for Pete's recovery, he has begun to make some positive steps towards waking from what began as a medically-induced coma - but then turned into _8_ days of waiting for him to wake on his own.  Pete is now partially awake and he is moving his arms and legs.  He is not yet able to communicate and his movements are still very weak, but this is expected for the trauma that his body has gone through.  Thank you, God! 

This is Pete's Story... 

As you may know, Pete's job with Phoenix Welding takes him out of town for much of the week where he stays in local hotels until he returns home.  Pete arrived on Monday (4/3/17 ) in Rhode Island still feeling sick from what he thought was a cold he'd had for a few weeks.  On Tuesday, 4/11/17,  he told his workmate and buddy that he was having hard time breathing and his chest hurt he was told him to call 911.  He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence where they began a long series of tests... the first one realizing that he had Influenza B and Pnemonia.  

Kim was called and told that Pete was going to be admitted.  Without hesitation Kim drove the 3 hour trip to RI to be by Pete's side - - where she has been for a little more than a week. 

Pete's white cell count was 0.  With this information they ran tests only to discover that Pete is also suffering from a rare form of cancer, Hairy Cell Leukemia.  This had been what was making it impossible for him to recover from the Influenza/Pnemonia.  Pete's breathing worsened, forcing them to intubate Pete's airways.  In order to prevent the impulse to remove the breathing tube he was placed in a medically induced coma. 

The doctors placed a central line in Pete's neck for easier access to give him medications and take blood for many additional tests.  With each day that went by it became too much for his kidneys and they began to shut down.  Pete was on Kidney Dialysis

feeding tube

Kim has spent many quiet hours by Pete's side worrying about the financial burden this will take.  It's unclear how long Kim will also need to be out of work, but she will stay by his side as long as needed; which will obviously make finances even tighter. 

The long distance from their support system has made things considerably difficult.  Kim wants to thank Phoenix Welding for their generosity in providing her with her shelter and food while she is in RI.  As helpful as this has been doesn't account for the fact that they are going to be out of work for a substantial amount of time.  Their hospital bills continue to add up - - and this is only to treat the Influenza/Pnumonia and complications resulting from his body being so sick. His treatment for the Cancer will begin when his immune system strengthens.
 
If you are in a position that you can help financially...an account has been setup at _______________.  This account ensures that 100% will be supporting his road to recovery. 

Kim wants to be sure to thank everyone that has reached out to her for emotional support at this point. Kim will add to this Jouirnal as often as she is able to.  She would encourage you to add your sentiments here as well.