Community Rallies For Former Eastport Firefighter Who Needs Help

EASTPORT, NY — The bonds of family and community remains strong, even across miles.

A GoFundMe page, "Nat Frey Needs Your Help!" was created by Melissa Locrotondo of Eastport and Ashley Frey to help a beloved former Eastport firefighter facing daunting medical challenges.

"December 25,2021 was not a typical Christmas Day for Nathaniel Frey and his family," the GoFundMe page said. "Nathaniel Frey was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers after his wife Ashley and other family members noticed a severe change in Nat’s mental status, coordination, vision, and complaints of a severe headache."

Within an hour of arriving to the hospital, doctors and staff had performed all vitals, bloodwork, X rays, EKGs, CTs, and various other test and assessments that determined and confirmed that Nat has suffered from a massive sub- acute cerebellar infarct, also known as a stroke.

Following admission to the emergency department and confirming a diagnosis, he was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he was closely monitored for edema, or swelling on his brain, vitals, neurological status, etc., the page said. Several other test and studies were also done to determine the best medication and route of treatment.

"Over the course of his days in ICU it was determined that Nat was presenting with a few neurological deficits. A lack of coordination is significantly slowing down the pace and accuracy at which Nat can do his normal daily activities," the page said.

Doctors have determined that until his vision is corrected, he will be unable to return to work and drive, organizers said.

"Doctors do not know how long these neurological side effects and or deficits will last. They state that it can take up to a year for them to heal. If they do not correct themselves within the first year; the deficits are not likely to go away or heal," organizers said.

Nat will need to follow up with many specialists as well as undergo rehabilitation, and physical therapy to monitor medications and determine any and all further care necessary for full recovery, the page said.

The GoFundMe page was created to help Nat and his wife offset the costs of further medical treatment, medications, and bills as he does not have health insurance and is unable to return to work to his full capacity, organizers said.

"His wife has taken on the responsibility of driving him to and from follow-up doctors’ appointments, conducting daily physical therapy, and assisting with daily living activities. He has just recently also had a visit to the hospital with the findings of a small bleed in his brain, which has stopped and will be monitored," organizer said. "Due to the extent of care required for Nathaniel, anything that you can donate is greatly appreciated."

Local fire departments on the East also sounded the call for help. "Please consider helping brother Eastport firefighter Nat Frey, son of ex-chief Jeffrey Frey, EFD," the Quogue Fire Department said on social media.

The Eastport Fire Department also rallied to help their longtime friend and comrade: "Nat Frey, former Eastport firefighter moved with his family to Wagener, South Carolina. Nat suffered some medical issues while down there and the medical bills are extensive. The Frey family is asking for some assistance to help offset the cost of the medical treatments. Any assistance our community can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance."

To donate, click here.

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