On 12/2/24, my dad, John, went in for a biopsy for an irregular area in his throat. Unfortunately, the biopsy showed throat cancer. The doctors were optimistic about surgical options and we all agreed to band together for whatever was necessary. The same day, COMPLETELY UNRELATED, a previous stent in his leg failed, leading to a potentially life threatening blood clot. He was admitted to the hospital where every attempt was made to break up the clot and save his leg. Despite the best efforts of all the lovely staff at Jefferson Hospital, the damage due to lack of blood flow was too severe to overcome and on 12/13/24 he had his left leg amputated below the knee. The surgery went well and he has been recovering in Magee Rehabilitation Center, with a planned discharge date of next week. If you know my dad, you know he’s the type to give help, not take it. So many folks have reached out asking how they can help, what they can do, if there is a fundraiser, etc. We are very fortunate in that the thing we need most is time. Time for appointments, time for mental health, time for planning and looking at the steps going forward. My mom, Re, ok’d me setting up a meal train to help gift her back the time of figuring out what to do for meals on the long days of appointments and visiting at the rehab. We have dozens of visits coming up over the next few months with rechecks, prosthetic fittings, intensive physical rehab visits, etc. And we still need to address the cancer diagnosis as well. We hope to have a better idea of the plan going forward over the next few weeks. We all greatly appreciate everyone reaching out, thinking of us, checking in. Nothing is expected in any way, shape, or form but so many have asked to help and this seems like the best way. Thanks, Mary Beth