In late May, life changed in an instant for Bud Lone Eagle Sr. and his family. Bud suffered a sudden medical crisis: a massive brainstem stroke. He has since been at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, working every day to recover. When he is discharged from Madonna, he will continue his rehabilitation at a long-term care facility. His goal, and his family's, is to bring him home.
Bud is a first-language Lakota speaker and a longtime contributor to his community. He is a singer and song maker, and an original member of the BuffaloHorse Singers. Some of his songs can be found on YouTube.
For about ten years, after being recruited by members of the Tribal Council, he worked as a volunteer to organize and run the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's annual wacipi, bringing together singers, dancers, and select entertainment from throughout North America. He brought several young wacipi people in as head staff and helped launch careers for many on the powwow trail. He also introduced the very popular traveling microphone, which lets announcers perform their duties out in the arena, dancing and visiting with dancers and audience members, rather than sitting behind a desk throughout the event.
Bud has also been both a volunteer and a paid tax preparer, volunteering for more than 15 years and working as a paid preparer for about 5. When others were unavailable, he volunteered to help with interpretation services, giving his voice so that others could be heard. Now he needs his community to show up for him.
Coming home is not simple. Bud's recovery will be long, and his home will need to be adapted to keep him safe and give him as much independence as possible. This campaign is raising funds for the housing specifications and equipment that will make his return possible, including:
A full body lift to safely move him in and out of bed
A motorized wheelchair so he can get around
A voice synthesizing tablet to help him communicate while he continues to rehab his voice
A wheelchair ramp / accessible entry
Widened doorways and an accessible bathroom
Safety and mobility features, such as grab bars and flooring
Other necessary medical equipment and housing modifications
His wife, Elizabeth, has been by his side, away from home, since this began. Everything she does to help others is strictly volunteer work, done simply because the work needs to be done. Now she is giving that same care to her husband. Gifts to this campaign will also help with her living and travel expenses while she cares for him, including:
Lodging and meals while staying near his care
Gas and travel between Nebraska, South Dakota, and his eventual care facility
Everyday living expenses
Every dollar goes directly toward getting Bud home and keeping Elizabeth by his side while he heals. If you cannot give, sharing this page is a gift too.
Pilamiyape. Thank you for helping us bring Bud's Lakota voice home.
