Affable and outgoing, Chicago-area native Scott Wood has made friends across the nation in the promotional products industry. Indeed, the multi-line rep has loved the business – something he has demonstrated, in part, by mentoring many promo sales professionals over his 30-plus-year career.

Now, his family and close friends say that the proprietor of multi-line rep firm Scott Wood & Associates needs the industry to give its all to help Wood the way he helped it.

Scott Wood, Scott Wood & Associates

Wood suffered a significant stroke and brain bleed on New Year’s Eve. While there have been some positive advancements, he has had multiple surgical procedures and endured complications.

With pneumonia and a fungal blood infection further hampering his recovery, Wood remains in critical condition – and the medical bills are mounting. Insurance only covers so much, and his earnings have ceased.

To help defray the cost of the essential healthcare, a GoFundMe initiative has been launched on behalf of Wood. The immediate goal is to continue to pay for treatment that will help get Wood to the point where he can be moved from the hospital/intensive care unit to a rehabilitation center.

“It’s time for us to step up and show his family how much we care,” the GoFundMe organizers wrote in a statement. “The need for our help is considerable. We need your help in asking that you prayerfully consider how you can make an impact on the family and our friend Scott’s well-being and recovery.”

In a family statement, Wood’s wife, Karen, and adult children described him as the glue that holds the family together.

“The most infectious smile, easy-going and approachable nature, and contagious laugh that you simply can’t help but smile and laugh along with – Dad would never miss the chance to make someone else’s day, even just for a second,” the family said. “Scott is the most kindhearted and selfless person who would quite literally give the shirt off his back if it was the last shirt he had, just for the opportunity to help someone else in need.”

The family noted that Wood is not giving up.

They said: “We are hopeful and firmly believe that Dad is giving everything in him to fight through all of these challenges and will see the other side of this battle for himself, his family, his dear friends, his associates and the friends he has yet to meet.”