To the Editor:

On Aug. 30, my wife, Susan, had open thoracic surgery for an aortic aneurysm that left her a paraplegic and with organ failure and blood clots [“A true love story: The Albrights face their greatest challenge together,” The Altamont Enterprise, Sept. 15, 2023]. Since that time, she has struggled to recover.

She has gone from the hospital to rehab and back to the hospital and is now back at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center where they are taking good care of her. Her paralysis is permanent, according to the doctors, and so is the failure of one kidney and her spleen.

Although this tragic outcome has caused many tears, Susan has remained very courageous! We are determined to regain as much of our lives as possible. We will adapt!

Currently we are remodeling our house to accommodate the medical equipment Susan will need while also refitting portions of the kitchen and bathroom. We are getting help from our good friends and family.

Tracy Smith, of Smith Contracting, and Tyler, Adam, and John Coleman of Kitchens by Coleman, and Josh Herzog of Herzog Painting and my brother, Chris Albright, are all helping us. Many thanks to Kelly Albright, who has cleared our garden.

The Helderberg American Legion Riders Post 977 and Voorheesville Post 1493 have donated an access ramp and their time for Susan to be able to get into the house. The New Scotland Town-wide volunteers have brought in lumber to finish portions of the ramp that were missing.

Kevin Farrar has given me much aid and advice as an expert in medical equipment. Our neighbors, Melinda and Brian White, sent over their landscaper to mow our lawn.

Leslie Anderson-Ellis was a bridesmaid at our wedding 36 years ago and took the initiative to start a Go-Fund-Me site that has raised a substantial amount of money that will also be used for all of the very expensive medical supplies and nursing care in the future. 

We are eternally grateful for her assistance and especially to all the people who have contributed!

There are also those people who have donated to me directly and to them I am also eternally grateful!

We have been humbled by the outpouring of help from family, friends, and people who remain anonymous. There are also the kind people who have left meals at my door that are always a welcome difference to the very plain food I prepare for myself.

Indian Ladder Farms and I.L.F. Cidery and Brewery held a fundraiser for Susan and I. They raised over $10,000 for which we are forever thankful!

Many people contributed to that by placing money in jars anonymously. We don't know who all of you are but we wish everyone mentioned here happiness and good health for the rest of your lives!

Your charity is an unforeseen aid to the difficult path that lies before us! 

Three bands played music at the farm fundraiser. Many thanks to The College Farm, Union Depot, and The Seth Tucker Band for their talents and time.

It has been difficult for us to accept help even though we have also donated and been charitable in our lives. We have always believed in helping others and passing it forward. Now we find ourselves on the receiving end and will never forget the help from so many!

Forgive me if I have forgotten anyone at this moment of writing. I feel certain more help is coming! It shores up my faith in humanity.

There is goodwill amongst us and, when we allow it to work, it outshines all the bad!

Sincerely with love to all.

Susan and Tim Albright

Meadowdale