Finally, We Have Some Answers

To no surprise, we’re still here.

After receiving an update last week regarding a potential transfer (on the 21st or 22nd), we didn’t hear back from Denali Center for a while. After many attempts, our case worker was finally able to reach them and learned that they had declined him—yet again. However, a call was eventually arranged among the doctors to discuss their reasoning. After some convincing, they agreed to accept him, but with conditions.

First, they can only care for two patients with tracheostomies at a time, and they currently have two. We will have to wait for one of those rooms to become available before he can be transferred. There’s no ETA for when that might happen, so you may be seeing us around a bit longer.

Second, they require a signed DNR order before accepting him. This is a difficult decision, and our family is taking time to consider it carefully.

While we discuss this, our caseworker will be sending out referrals to facilities here in Anchorage to check on their requirements and availability—before exploring potential transfers to the Lower 48. It would be ideal to remain in Alaska to be closer to family.

We greatly appreciate the lengths everyone went to in order to get transferred to Denali Center so that he can be closer to family!