Never in a million years would Richard Hogan and his family believe they would be in the position they find themselves in.
Hogan, who grew up in Taber and has lived in Lethbridge for over 20 years, recently organized a Go Fund Me campaign online.
Last year, on Mother’s Day, Hogan’s youngest child Beuxy (pronounced Bowie) experienced a grand mal seizure. The Chinook Regional Hospital ER doctor, at the time, told the family to say their final goodbyes, as they prepared her for an air ambulance trip to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. She woke up and after 10 days of observation, she was sent home. Less than three weeks later, it happened again with another trip to Calgary.
“Her second arrival in Calgary did bring us a diagnosis and some direction,” explains Hogan. “Frontal lobe epilepsy, in its most potent form.”
Hogan works in the entertainment industry providing sound and lighting for southern Alberta concerts and events. He also travels on the road, which became difficult with his child’s diagnosis.
“Needless to say, I could never forgive myself had I left and the worst case scenario happens,” notes Hogan.
According to Hogan, the last year crushed them financially with 11 ambulance rides, three helicopter flights and uncommon and expensive medication, as well as Richard’s wife needing to leave her job to provide 24-hour care. “And my gigs too far away to be able to leave home.”
“Most months we had to choose to pay our bills or eat for the week. Rent our home for the month or buy our daughter the thing that’s keeping her from seizing. We have fallen further and further behind,” says Hogan.
The family was evicted and their belongings and pets, including an emotional support animal, which were unfortunately left behind. The family now lives in a hotel.
“We’re unable to speak about these things due to the pending legal proceedings that have been filed out of respect to the courts,” says Hogan.
“Originally, I started our campaign to raise $2,500 not thinking we would reach that goal. We reached that goal in less than 24 hours to my shock,” says Hogan.
On Aug. 16, the family decided to raise the campaign goal to $5,000, in hopes of replacing some of the kids’ furniture.
“Not only did we lose the place we called home, we lost the majority of our possessions. Not to mention our animals and most importantly Beuxy’s support animal,” adds Hogan.
Hogan says the majority of the funds raised will go towards a security deposit and first month’s rent on a new home.
For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/aq2frn-asking-for-help-has-never-been-easy?.
