Hope for Hope

Hope's name was derived from the hope given by a family who shared God with me and changed the life and future of myself and my children unto eternity. This family had a daughter whose middle name was Hope. It was also derived from the hope God gave me when I found out I was having a baby at 35 years old. I tell you this because she has been the essence of her name since she was born. Her laughter, her smile, her "can-do" attitude brings joy and hope to her family and to others. Hope just turned 20 years old and would have graduated from college last summer (in just 3 years) had it not been for the downhill spiral she hit.

Over 12 months ago, Hope needed a surgery that seemed consistent with a sports injury. That surgery led us to realize that something had compromised her health. I took her to many specialists and each one tried to help add a piece to the puzzle of her unraveling situation. Our journey led us to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona where we discovered the culprit – Swine Flu Virus - and the devastating effects it can cause.

Hope currently needs a surgery to correct the damage to her body. I am a single mother and have been raising my children without distraction for the last ten years. I have often worked two jobs to ensure both kids (Hope has a sibling) received everything they needed. 

After months, and months, of working to finance Hope's health care I am struggling to financially provide the final surgery she needs to get her well.

While other maladies have been cured over the months, her most pressing need is a surgery that would allow her to process food correctly. Without this surgery, the list of complications to her health are endless. With the surgery she can return to a normal life and have a shot at overcoming the effects of the virus which would lead to health, the ability to reach her goals, seek God, and do what she does best - bring HOPE to others.

As Hope's mother, I have exhausted all available resources to me. Some of you may know that my dad passed away last year and I spent months driving back and forth to Austin to help my mother care for my dad (so he could pass in the comfort of their home). Since that time, I have continually been on the road to Austin to help Hope - sometimes daily. It is a 7-hour drive round trip.

If you feel led, please consider giving to our cause. Hope is only 20 and has her whole life ahead of her...unless of course she doesn't due to lack of treatment.

The funds raised will be used to pay for the upcoming surgery Hope needs and the medical expenses that are hanging over her head. Hope did have insurance through her father - which has been a blessing - but he is no longer able to maintain her coverage. My prayer is that we can get her back on her feet soon and I can acquire health insurance for her in some other capacity.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this post and considering Hope's need!

P.S. The picture in this post is of Hope with her brother at his Baptism in the waters of Jacob’s dream at ACU. He requested her attendance, and even though she was not well, she had a friend drive her 4 hours to be with him on this very special day.