Harrison County Man who has Given Years of Service to Community in Need of Health-Related Financial Aid
A Harrison County man who has spent his life helping others in various first responder and assistance roles is in a position where he could now use your help.
Paul Rasmussen, who has overcome what some may describe as insurmountable health obstacles going back to his teen years, is now facing a health battle that is already, and likely will continue to, put a financial drain on the family.
For an individual who has served with the Harrison County Emergency Squad, the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, and spent decades as 9-1-1 dispatcher, including here at its location in Bridgeport, being found in financial need is a sad situation. However, the community can help make this right. Before getting to a pair of ways to assist, here is the backstory on Rasmussen’s situation written by his wife Shelley Rasmussen.
“When Paul was a teen, he had a dream of serving his country as a Marine. When he was 15, life threw Paul a curveball. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right leg. Paul fought through chemotherapy treatments at NIH but eventually lost his leg. His dreams were crushed, and he struggled with what to do with his life. Paul loves people so it's not surprising that he became a volunteer firefighter and an EMT. Those positions eventually led him to a fulfilling career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher at Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services where he has served the community for the past 24 years.
“Paul has faced several medical struggles in his adult life as well. He was diagnosed with diabetes in his 30's. In 2015, he suffered a heart attack. In late 2020, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease and was referred to a nephrologist. Low iron and hemoglobin levels were diagnosed in December 2021, leading to iron infusions and Procrit shots. By July 2022, Paul faced ESRD Stage 4. Frustrated by his decline in health, he found a new nephrologist who started preparing him for dialysis and referred him for a transplant. Paul suffered a second heart attack in October 2022, which caused the testing for a kidney transplant to be put on hold while the doctors waited for his heart to heal. Paul struggled with daily challenges of fluid retention, fatigue, and breathlessness. Despite these health challenges, Paul's dedication to our family was unwavering and he continued to work. In October 2023, Paul was referred again for a transplant evaluation. On November 17th, he had outpatient surgery to have a PD catheter placed in his abdomen so he could begin dialysis. Two days later, I couldn't wake him up.
“He was transported by ambulance to United Hospital Center where I learned that Paul had suffered a stroke. He was stabilized and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital by Healthnet. His condition was worse than we thought. His body was shutting down. The doctors told us he had strokes on both sides of his brain, blocked carotid arteries, diabetic keto acidosis, pneumonia, elevated liver enzymes, raised troponin levels, aortic stenosis, and other issues. We did not expect him to live. We prayed.
“God answered our prayers with a miracle! Almost four weeks later he was finally transferred to Encompass for physical and occupational therapy. It was very challenging for Paul to become mobile again because of his amputation, but on December 30th, he walked out of Encompass and came home! He is now continuing his physical therapy at home, and we have learned how to do his dialysis treatments at home as well.
“Financial burdens now weigh heavily on our hearts. When Paul had his stroke, many of our co-workers generously donated their vacation days to ensure Paul still received a paycheck. Paul has filed for disability retirement, SDI, and Medicare. However, the approval process is lengthy. Social Security also has a 5-month mandatory waiting period before Paul can receive any benefits, and there is no back pay. His donated vacation time will run out on March 22nd, so it's very likely that Paul will stop receiving paychecks months before he starts receiving any disability benefits. The impending loss of his employer-provided healthcare while waiting for disability and Medicare coverage adds to the stress. The most pressing concern is to ensure that Paul does not lose his health insurance, which is crucial for him to continue his dialysis treatments and physical therapy. When his donated time runs out, he will need to enroll in COBRA to keep his insurance. The cost will be over $800 per month.
“Many have asked how they can help us, so we are reaching out to our community, friends, and family for support during this challenging time. Your contribution, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in helping Paul receive the care he needs AND will help us with medical expenses, insurance premiums and living expenses.
“Please continue to pray for us and share our story. Thank you so much!”
The first way to assist is by going to a GoFundMe page set up for the family. You can click HERE to donate to help with medical and living expenses.
Also, on Saturday, March 23, there will be a Bingo Night at the Harrison County Senior Center in Clarksburg. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Early bird bingo begins at 4 p.m. and regular cash bingo at 5 p.m.
There will also be a 50/50 drawing, raffles, tip boards, concessions, and more. The big event is a 21st game prize of $1,000. Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Contact Lorri Robey at 304-423-7722 to purchase a ticket in advance. Individuals can also contact Meaghan Navarini, Rebecca Schuesser-Morrison, and Shelley Rasmussen.
Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of Lorri Robey and Shelley Rasmussen.