Against all odds

Against all odds

By jennifer j. decker
county press staff reporter

John Lee beat death three times.

The Imlay City resident triumphed the odds of surviving a quadruple amputation after a kidney failure turned his entire body pitch black.

"I'm making it," the 47-year-old said, as he struggled to hold the telephone to his mouth during a recent interview. "I'm strong and got a good family. It's been rough and I still don't know how it happened."

Lee said 99.9% of those with similar kidney complications die, but he's certainly not ready. "I could have been dead three times, but I'm too ornery and (God) won't let me in (to heaven)," he said.

Lee was a trucker for 27 years and an avid motorcycle rider. He can't wait to take to the open road again — it's a personal goal and one that drives him.

"By next Monday, I should be able to put on my compression stockings, but in the last few months I've been through a lot of hell and pain. It's been a long road. My wife's been there every day — even when I was in a coma."

A patient at Hurley Medical Center in Flint since October, Lee is thankful to have such supportive family and friends.

"My doctor's been really good," he said. "You don't know what will happen."

Felixcia Gower and fellow family friend Flett Proctor are seeking funds to help Lee, who lost both of his arms and legs Oct. 15. Lee is currently being treated at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, waiting to start rehabilitation after his closures (skin placed over the sections where cuts were made) heal.

"It will be a long time being there," Gower said. "He can't even sit up yet."

With a kidney stone blocking his urethra, Lee was taken into the hospital. At first, his ears were black-purple, which was the first sign of blockage, Gower said. His body then turned from purple to black, where he had to be placed into the burn unit to be treated. In these situations, Gower said the body makes markings on where the doctors would make the cuts.

"He's very lucky," Proctor said. "When he first went in, we didn't think he'd make it through the night. At a point, I didn't know whether to pray to help him or to pray to take him. He's getting along great now."

Having a quadruple amputee will no doubt change Lee and his family's life. It will require alterations in John's home, vehicle, chairs, the need of an electric wheelchair lift, and much more.

Gower and Proctor are leading the way to make sure the family will have the funds to pursue this gigantic endeavor. The first benefit, which Gower hopes to be the first of several, will start at noon Feb. 3 at Total Sports Bowling Center, 40501 Production Drive in Mount Clemens. While all the spaces have been filled for the bowling fundraiser, items can still be donated for its auction, as well as future ones, by calling Mark Burden at (586) 219-0784.

Gower has also been writing letters to Oprah Winfrey, and Detroit sports organizations like the Tigers and Red Wings, asking for help. Lee's wife Sherry, who is studying to be a registered nurse, also needs Net10 phone cards, as well as gas cards to be in contact with her husband as much as possible, Gower said.

Another benefit will take place Feb. 17 at Paradise Saloon, located at 133 N. Main St. in Almont. A time is not yet determined.

Lee has long loved to hunt deer and ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Proctor met him about 10 years ago during a group ride and they immediately clicked. Proctor said he and Lee had a knack of knowing what the other would do next when on the road.

Lee also has three step-children with Sherry: Kaylee, Amanda and Jamie.

"He was a good, conscientious rider, and helped anybody," Proctor said.

Despite the life changing experience, John remains in high spirits. Another rider, who lost his foot in June, recently visited him. After seeing him walk on a cane wearing a prosthetic, Lee was further motivated.

"He's a good guy," Proctor said. "I don't understand why it had to happen to him. Things happen that we don't understand."

John's gratitude for his life is strong.

"You don't know what will happen," he said."Appre-

ciate life and have fun with good friends and family."

Jennifer J. Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com. Jeff Hoard contributed to this report.

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