COEUR d'ALENE - Friends of Coeur d'Alene's Larry and Vickie Tanner are rallying to help the couple after Larry suffered a stroke in September and has memory loss as a result.

Friend Norma Blanchette said it's unclear if or when Larry will be able to return to work at Comfort Keepers in Coeur d'Alene.

Vickie is his primary caregiver and has not been able to return to her job at Comfort Keepers as a caregiver.

"He is doing well and is slowly getting stronger at home, but he has little to no short-term memory and Vickie is unable to leave him home alone," Blanchette said. "It has been extremely difficult for them to ask for help."

Larry has medical insurance, but the couple still has $16,000 worth of out-of-pocket medical bills with more to come.

A benefit account at Numerica Credit Union branches under member number 740610 has been set up.

Blanchette said fundraisers will be planned later.

"They are consumed with therapies and medical care right now," she said.

Larry spent a month at Sacred Heart and a month at Ivy Court in Coeur d'Alene recovering before returning home.

"He can at least walk and talk now," Vickie said. "It's been overwhelming."

Larry graduated from Coeur d'Alene High in 1976 and Vickie 1977.

Larry is a dog trainer at Northwest Pet Resort in Coeur d'Alene and a member of the Lilac City Dog Club. He is also an obedience and rally judge and volunteers with therapy dogs for St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center and Sacred Heart in Spokane.

"They have always been the ones doing the helping and the giving, and now they could use some of that back," Blanchette said.