Dahlgren Support Fund
Denny and Angie Dahlgren are two of the most incredible, encouraging, inspiring, Jesus-loving people on this planet. If you know them, you know that is not an exaggeration. And as many of you also know, the Dahlgrens don't often ask for help. So with a little prodding on my part and much graciousness on theirs, they have agreed to this opportunity for us all to show our support.
A recap:
Toward the end of April 2016, Angie started feeling cruddy. Her usual energy was gone and she was experiencing tingling and numbness in her left arm. The heart clinic ran every test they could think of. What they initially thought was just a virus turned out to be an extremely rare blood bacteria called Abiotrophia Defectiva, the cause of Angie's Endocarditis. And so began Angie's recent stay as the youngest patient in the Cardiac Unit at St. Vincent's.
Angie's defibrillator was successfully removed on May 5, and the next day a PIC line was placed for a six-week course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. May 9 brought a pre-op consult and prayer session with her superstar doctor, Dr. Gary Ott. On May 10 Angie's mitral and aortic valves were replaced and thanks to an amazing team of doctors (and so much prayer!), she is now home recovering. Angie has a long road ahead of her. Her surgeon made clear that this recent open heart surgery, her second, must also be her last.
Please pray for peace over the Dahlgren family, and for Angie's protection going forward. Someone must be with Angie at all times, and there will be another surgery to install a new defibrillator once Angie is strong enough to undergo the procedure.
To add to their already full plate, while Angie was in the hospital Denny discovered that their refrigerator ice machine had been leaking and caused the kitchen flooring to buckle. Yesterday the upstairs bathroom started leaking water through the ceiling. I think it's safe to say that Denny and Angie are ready for a reprieve from all the excitement!
Many of you have asked how you can help. One way is to donate financially (thank you!). If you would like to bring them a meal, please sign up here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/g0ezwo And last but certainly not least, please continue to lift Denny, Angie, and Keeley up in prayer. The Dahlgrens are overwhelmed by your love and support, and want you to know how much they appreciate each and every one of you.
And in case you are wondering about Angie's outlook on all of this: "It occurred to me last night before bed that this feels like an attack from the enemy. Like he is just messing with us trying to shake our faith. This morning after more prayer, I'm certain of it. Now I look at it and it's almost comical to me. With Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Rock, satan's attacks are just attempts to make me curse my God, because my life is uncomfortable and like nothing I planned. Not a chance Devil, I serve the mightiest God of gods, the Lord of lords, the Author and Finisher of my faith. I'm excited to see how God is work in all of this. :)"
