Maybe you know my dad, Michael Francois. He was a coach for East Marietta baseball for many years or you may have bumped into him at a Walton High School football game. About about a year ago my father was diagnosed with a rare disease called Charcot Foot, a condition caused by nerve damage. It is a very rare complication that affects only 1 percent of people with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. It is a worse case scenario of neuropathy – the immune system attacks the bones in one’s feet, making them as breakable as glass during an “active” episode of the condition. These episodes can hit at any time without warning. Currently, there is no cure and many patients end up needing an amputation. During this time, my family, friends, and I have watched my dad’s condition deteriorate to a point where he has developed sepsis and is now facing a double leg amputation from the knee down–a surgery which will take place this month.
He has reached a point where he is no longer capable of working and unable to afford basic living necessities. He hates being a burden to my family because he can no longer support us. While we are very grateful for Medicaid, it doesn’t cover all of his medical expenses. I’m asking as humbly as possible, for donations to help my dad with the costs he is facing post-surgery: like physical therapy and prosthetics. Donations will also help fund his stay in an assisted living facility that will in turn help my dad get his life back on track.
Thank you to all of those who have helped to support my family through these difficult times.
If you would like to contribute to this campaign, please go to: www.gofundme.com/f/walk-with-michael-francois-fund
This article was written by Dominick Francois and originally appeared in the December issue, on page 9. To view the digital edition, click here.
