Now working for Environmental Health News, Peter has created strong friendships with colleagues over the years at Greenpeace, CNN/Turner Broadcasting, and Pew Charitable. Peter Dykstra, a lover of baseball, gardening, and a really good story, has been a true friend to many in the course of his life and career. His sense of humor, compassion, and dedication to doing what is right—not necessarily what is easy—has drawn people to him through the years. Currently working for Environmental Health News, he is also a highly respected alumnus of Greenpeace, CNN/Turner Broadcasting, and Pew Charitable Trusts. He has two adult children, Sally and Jim. Sadly, he lost his older son, Matt, in November of last year—just prior to his illness. Peter is now in the fight of his life. He began having increasing back pain in February. Visits to his doctor and chiropractor provided little relief. While driving one day in early March, he found he couldn’t easily move his feet—and then when he tried to walk, he fell. At Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, doctors diagnosed a rare and very dangerous staph infection that was attacking his spine. They conducted emergency surgery to clean out the infection in the hope of minimizing the damage. But after eight weeks of therapy at Atlanta’s Shepherd Spinal Center, Peter was still unable to walk—and was experiencing frequent and excruciating chest spasms. An MRI showed several collapsed vertebrae, which indicated that the antibiotic treatment doctors had hoped would stamp out all the residual staph infection had not completely done the job. Peter underwent a second surgery in early May to further clean out the infection and implant supports to the spine. While the doctors feel that Peter is no longer in mortal danger, he remains paralyzed from the chest down. Peter’s friends and family, colleagues, associates, and neighbors have visited him, prayed for him, and sent loving messages and a flotilla of gifts and cards. Nearly all have said, “If there is anything that I can do….” He has expressed profound gratitude for the kindnesses he has received thus far. Peter’s ability to live independently in his own home will depend upon the support of his friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers. Your generosity will enable construction on the ground floor of his house to repurpose space for a bedroom and accessible full bath, appropriate ramps, rails, and kitchen modifications to support accessibility. These renovations will enhance his ability to care for himself and eventually regain a sense of independent living. Any money left over from the construction will help to pay ongoing out-of-pocket medical expenses and will provide a start toward purchasing a vehicle outfitted to allow him to drive again after he has recovered more fully. The fundraiser is thirty (30 days) in duration because construction needs to start soon. Ideally, the house will be ready for Peter when he is (hopefully) released to return home in July. A GoFundMe account has been created for Peter. Please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-peter
Thank you for your generous donation!
