Tanner & Rebekah Gibson
Donation protected
On May 18, 2012, a beautiful, union of marriage began for, Tanner and Rebekah Gibson, (my son and daughter-in-love). Shortly after, their day of much joy and celebration, Rebekah’s health started spiraling downward, and much further than what she’d endured the first 21- years of her life. You see, she suffered many years with Lyme disease, and never knew it.
Ever since, Rebekah, was a baby her parents have diligently trusted God and prayed for Rebekah’s health. They also took her to doctor after doctor, for test after test, without ever reaching any concrete answers. Her illnesses were real, but they never knew why there were so many, and if there could be an underlying source. Rebekah’s parents were so diligent in paying attention to Rebekah’s health that they, adjusted her diet, sought an herbalist, and used natural oils. Although, many of the natural remedies were helpful, they did not solve Rebekah’s health issues or her pain.
Approximately 4 months into Tanner and Rebekah’s marriage, Rebekah, could not walk without intense pain. It was so heartbreaking for them, as Tanner had to carry her up and down the stairs of their three-story apartment building! She was in so much pain, and this also left her unable to drive, concentrate, or function normally for anything, for any length of time. So, what could Tanner and Rebekah do? Well, most importantly, they continued trusting God, the creator of all things!
Then, they began the horrible journey of seeking medical attention which, like Rebekah’s parents, produced no answers. Rebekah’s pain continued with a host of other problems. She suffered from an enlarged spleen, migraines, muscle pain, blurred vision, memory loss, inability to walk, swollen glands, sleep deprivation, depression, and that’s just to name a few. BUT, God is faithful!!
Finally, the bittersweet answers came when they were referred to another doctor, who diagnosed Rebekah’s Lyme disease. Rebekah’s treatments and medical visits were agonizing for 12 Long months!! Lyme disease attacks the body with a vengeance, and treatment stirs up the bacteria and makes it angrier! That’s the simplest explanation I can give for such a complex disease. Now, I’m not a Lyme expert, nor have I suffered a debilitating disease, but I have read much about it on-line, and in Rebekah’s blog (A Lepers’ Story). What a nightmare for her!! She really wanted to give up!! Many times Rebekah experienced out-of-control emotions because her body was in so much turmoil. It was difficult for her to watch those around her living “normal” lives. Other newlyweds were attending school, enjoying vacations, and some starting families. Her life wasn’t anything close to what a new bride would wish for. Every day, she was surrounded by numerous medications, and many times bound to a wheelchair. This required her husband and her momma to carry her to the bathtub in the middle of the night for some pain relief. Even though Rebekah and Tanner were overwhelmed by the constant health battle, they still never lost their HOPE in Christ. It is only by God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace, the prayers of faithful family, friends, and many other people, that Tanner and Rebekah never gave up HOPE.
This past weekend, Tanner and Rebekah gave their testimony of Gods’ healing. Rebekah, is not 100% well, and will still require some physical therapy, etc., but they are asking for more prayer, and hoping for financial provision. God has already provided over $30,000 from Tanner’s salary since this all started, but this was possible because Tanner and Rebekah, have lived with her parents. Recently, they had 4 emergency room visits in just one weekend!! Rebekah, was having incomprehensible chest pain and couldn’t stop shaking. It had become time to remove the PICC line that had curled up inside her chest, toward her neck, taking the vein with it!! I can’t even begin to share the battle they have had with the insurance company!! They have refused to pay any charges. PERIOD. Even after Tanner spent his vacation time writing letters to them. This leaves them with a huge debt for all of their medical expenses. Tanner and Rebekah are beyond grateful for the blessing of living with her parents. They could not have made it living on their own. What a blessing Bill, Renee, and Josh have been in caring for them!! I’m sure Tanner and Rebekah could not express their gratefulness in words... Although, they are still newlyweds, and want to start LIVING!!
Thank you,
Cheryl Gibson
Ever since, Rebekah, was a baby her parents have diligently trusted God and prayed for Rebekah’s health. They also took her to doctor after doctor, for test after test, without ever reaching any concrete answers. Her illnesses were real, but they never knew why there were so many, and if there could be an underlying source. Rebekah’s parents were so diligent in paying attention to Rebekah’s health that they, adjusted her diet, sought an herbalist, and used natural oils. Although, many of the natural remedies were helpful, they did not solve Rebekah’s health issues or her pain.
Approximately 4 months into Tanner and Rebekah’s marriage, Rebekah, could not walk without intense pain. It was so heartbreaking for them, as Tanner had to carry her up and down the stairs of their three-story apartment building! She was in so much pain, and this also left her unable to drive, concentrate, or function normally for anything, for any length of time. So, what could Tanner and Rebekah do? Well, most importantly, they continued trusting God, the creator of all things!
Then, they began the horrible journey of seeking medical attention which, like Rebekah’s parents, produced no answers. Rebekah’s pain continued with a host of other problems. She suffered from an enlarged spleen, migraines, muscle pain, blurred vision, memory loss, inability to walk, swollen glands, sleep deprivation, depression, and that’s just to name a few. BUT, God is faithful!!
Finally, the bittersweet answers came when they were referred to another doctor, who diagnosed Rebekah’s Lyme disease. Rebekah’s treatments and medical visits were agonizing for 12 Long months!! Lyme disease attacks the body with a vengeance, and treatment stirs up the bacteria and makes it angrier! That’s the simplest explanation I can give for such a complex disease. Now, I’m not a Lyme expert, nor have I suffered a debilitating disease, but I have read much about it on-line, and in Rebekah’s blog (A Lepers’ Story). What a nightmare for her!! She really wanted to give up!! Many times Rebekah experienced out-of-control emotions because her body was in so much turmoil. It was difficult for her to watch those around her living “normal” lives. Other newlyweds were attending school, enjoying vacations, and some starting families. Her life wasn’t anything close to what a new bride would wish for. Every day, she was surrounded by numerous medications, and many times bound to a wheelchair. This required her husband and her momma to carry her to the bathtub in the middle of the night for some pain relief. Even though Rebekah and Tanner were overwhelmed by the constant health battle, they still never lost their HOPE in Christ. It is only by God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace, the prayers of faithful family, friends, and many other people, that Tanner and Rebekah never gave up HOPE.
This past weekend, Tanner and Rebekah gave their testimony of Gods’ healing. Rebekah, is not 100% well, and will still require some physical therapy, etc., but they are asking for more prayer, and hoping for financial provision. God has already provided over $30,000 from Tanner’s salary since this all started, but this was possible because Tanner and Rebekah, have lived with her parents. Recently, they had 4 emergency room visits in just one weekend!! Rebekah, was having incomprehensible chest pain and couldn’t stop shaking. It had become time to remove the PICC line that had curled up inside her chest, toward her neck, taking the vein with it!! I can’t even begin to share the battle they have had with the insurance company!! They have refused to pay any charges. PERIOD. Even after Tanner spent his vacation time writing letters to them. This leaves them with a huge debt for all of their medical expenses. Tanner and Rebekah are beyond grateful for the blessing of living with her parents. They could not have made it living on their own. What a blessing Bill, Renee, and Josh have been in caring for them!! I’m sure Tanner and Rebekah could not express their gratefulness in words... Although, they are still newlyweds, and want to start LIVING!!
Thank you,
Cheryl Gibson
Organizer
Julie Parrish Ternes
Organizer
Colorado Springs, CO
