Darwin “Nubby” Higgins, 81, has spent the past eight months in hospitals in Appleton, Milwaukee and West Allis. He and his wife, Shirley, are now hoping they can be back in their rural Clintonville home before the end of the month.
A fundraiser is being planned May 2 at Clintonville Lanes by family and friends to help Higgins with the medical care that he needs.
On Mother’s Day last year, Higgins fell and tore his rotator cuff. As plans were made for surgery, doctors discovered that he would need heart surgery first. After the lengthy heart surgery, he was in a coma for two months in an Appleton hospital.
The family was advised that they could “let Nubby go to be with his Lord” or they could send him to St. Luke Hospital in Milwaukee, where he would likely have additional time.
Higgins was transported to St. Luke’s and eventually woke up. For the next five months, he endured many complications, including bed sores, a collapsed lung, dialysis, feeding tubes, pneumonia, infections and more.
On his 81st birthday, in February, he was sent home to continue his therapy. Unfortunately, in March, Higgins had a setback and was sent back to Milwaukee for another surgery. A section of his Achilles tendon was removed; he now needs a brace for his left leg to help him walk.
Higgins remains in the Select Specialty Hospital of Milwaukee-West Allis, but his wife, Shirley, said his pain is getting better.
She has been at his side throughout the entire ordeal. His three children and grandchildren visit often.
“I have kept notes from day one,” Shirley Higgins said.
The fundraiser will begin at 2 p.m. at Clintonville Lanes, 250 County Road I. Music will be provided by Hauser’s Hot Shots. There will be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, paddle and bucket raffles, bowling for kids and food. Prizes include a quarter of beef, a 40-inch TV and $100 in cash.
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