Opinion | Gress: When medical crisis strikes, community steps in
My father’s medical crisis began with what seemed like a simple scratch after catching himself during a fall. Within days, his wrist, arm, hand and fingers had swollen to nearly twice their normal size. He was struggling to walk and speak clearly. We feared he had suffered a stroke, but instead, doctors discovered a severe infection spreading rapidly through his body.
That diagnosis marked the beginning of a year filled with medical challenges for our family.
My dad underwent surgery after surgery as doctors worked to eliminate the infection. When initial treatments proved unsuccessful, he was transferred to Denver for more specialized care. For many in the Eagle Valley, my father is known as the beloved Santa Claus who spent years bringing joy to local children and families. Now, he was the one in need of help.
As our family navigated my father’s health crisis, another unexpected challenge arose. My mother suffered a fall that resulted in a broken pelvis in three places and a broken arm. Suddenly, both of my parents required extensive medical care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The emotional, logistical, and financial strain was overwhelming.
Throughout it all, my parents leaned on the perseverance and spirit of adventure that have guided our family for decades. But as the months passed, the medical bills continued to mount. Although both have Medicare, the frequency and complexity of the treatments eventually exceeded what was covered. Surgeries, rehabilitation stays, therapies, and everyday living expenses quickly became difficult to manage.
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Friends, family, and our church community stepped forward to help, but the financial burden remained significant. We found ourselves asking not only how to pay the medical bills, but how to keep up with the ordinary expenses of daily life.
That is when I discovered the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
From my first conversation with Executive Director Brooke Skjonsby, I felt a renewed sense of hope. She listened with compassion and explained the application process, sharing that the Board would thoughtfully review our request for assistance with my father’s rehabilitation expenses.
While we waited for the Board’s decision, my parents worried about how they would continue paying for the care my father needed. The uncertainty added another layer of stress during an already difficult time.
When we received the call that our application had been approved, it was an incredible relief. The Board recognized not only the financial hardship my parents were facing, but also the decades they had spent serving and contributing to the Eagle Valley community.
On behalf of my entire family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund Board of Directors. Their generous support helped ease the burden of a year marked by pain, uncertainty and recovery. More than financial assistance, they provided hope when we needed it most.
To everyone who supports VVCF, please know that your generosity changes lives. Our family is profoundly grateful.
The Gress family is a Vail Valley Charitable Fund grant recipient.
