A decade of seizures, still without answers
Raines had his first seizure approximately 10 years ago while coaching peewee football. His wife, Susie Raines, said the episodes have become more frequent and that neurologists have been unable to identify the cause.
“They can’t tell us whether he’s epileptic. They can’t tell us if it’s just crazy chemical balance. They don’t have any idea,” Susie Raines said. “That’s the scary part.”
His most recent episode lasted several minutes and left Raines disoriented for 15 to 20 minutes after regaining consciousness. Susie Raines said he did not recognize her or their children during that period.
“This last time it took him at least 15 to 20. He didn’t know who I was. He didn’t know his — I could show him pictures of his kids. He had no idea who they were. That’s the scariest part, you know, not knowing,” she said.
That episode resulted in a five-day hospital stay — the first time Raines had been admitted, according to Susie Raines. Doctors added a second medication to his treatment regimen. Raines has since returned to work at FedEx, where he and his wife and stepson, Colby Gatlin, are all employed.
Financial strain follows medical crisis
Because Raines does not receive pay when he is away from work, the hospitalization left both him and Susie Raines without income for approximately two and a half to three weeks. Susie Raines said she also missed work during that time.
Colby Gatlin, Raines’ stepson, said he has witnessed several of the episodes at the FedEx facility where they work together.
“I go to the truck I know he’s at, and I turn the corner, and he’s on the ground, passed out,” Gatlin said.
Susie Raines said the most recent hospital stay added to an existing stack of medical bills. She noted that the hospital where Raines was treated was listed as out of network under the family’s Blue Cross insurance plan.
‘Coach’ draws a crowd
The benefit was organized by Raines’ mother, Brenda Raines, along with members of a local cornhole league — Good Time Baggers — that plays regularly at Geneva Hall Bingo Hall, located at 740 S. Connally Drive in Elm Mott. Brenda Raines said spreading the word was not difficult.
“Chad is very well-liked, and everybody knows him, so it hasn’t been hard at all,” she said.
Raines coached youth football for the Bears and also worked with Lake Erie Little League for years. His daughter, Skylar Raines, 14, said the title has stuck long after he stepped off the sidelines.
“My dad has a lot of friends. He knows everyone everywhere. A lot of kids fell in love with him. He’s coached football. Everyone still calls him coach,” she said.
Shelby Gatlin, Raines’ stepdaughter, said she has watched the community respond in ways she did not expect.
“I never would have thought in a million years I’d be in a position where a whole community around Central Texas is coming to support somebody I love so much,” she said.
David Harris, a lifelong friend of Raines who said the two have spoken daily for years, said the turnout reflected the kind of person Raines has always been.
“If Chad loves you, you know it. You feel it. He shows it,” Harris said.
Harris said some attendees traveled from the Houston area to be at the event.
Raines did not want the spotlight
Raines declined to speak on camera. His family said he never sought attention for himself. Harris said Raines told him the day before the event that he did not want it to be about him.
Susie Raines said the response from the community has been unexpected.
“It’s a true blessing to know that people actually care. You know, it’s not every day that people reach out to you wanting to help you,” she said.
The event featured donated auction items, taco plates and cornhole competition. Brenda Raines said donated items included an ice chest, haircuts, hats and Hawaiian fall coupons, among others.
The family said they are still accepting donations as medical bills continue to mount.
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