Give Them Hope 4 An Uncertain 2018
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Update 01-16-2018, 7:42 pm...
Brian called us tonight with news...some good...some not so good. The good news is there is a doctor who believes that Brian has a treatable condition, and with more testing, there may very well be a diagnosis. With a diagnosis, disability benefits will be available for the duration of healing and restoration. The not so good news is that the agency that will review his eligibility will answer his request in 5 to 6 months. This could feel like an eternity when there are so many unknowns.
We are so grateful for all of the donations and prayers that have come in. Prayer is such a powerful weapon against the things of this world that come against us. Please, never give up! Realistically, the need for financial support is ongoing, at least for now. We are praying that the resources to keep Brian and Michelle 'above water' will continue to flow.
Thank you for reading, praying, giving...Bill and Kathi
Update 12-29-2017, 11:59 am...
Michelle recently took Brian to MUSC (Medical University of SC) in Charleston, SC, where he saw another specialist. Still no diagnosis. He's being referred to another doctor here, in Columbia, SC. Without a diagnosis, there is no treatment...or long term benefits.
2017 is quickly coming to an end, and 2018 brings a new year...with many unanswered questions for Brian and Michelle.
We ask eveyone to join us in prayer for peace, joy, comfort, and supernatural healing for Brian and Michelle. Also, that you prayerfully consider helping us in achieving our financial goal, as their funds are quickly being consumed.
Blessings for a great 2018! Bill and Kathi DeWitt
Now, the original letter...
PS - The 'X' truly means no diagnosis, and without one, the Luberto finances come to a screeching halt.
Now that you've seen the PS, here's the letter...
Dear friends,
I want ot introduce you to Brian and Michelle Luberto. My wife Kathi and I met them individually, and then, many years later, collectively. Brian is a vehicle service representative at our car dealership, where we have been a customer of his for about 16 years (he's worked there 23 years). His beautiful bride of 7 years, Michelle, is the person who checks us in, and helps us navigate the system of care, at our physicians office, where we've been going for about 9 years. Individually, they have represented to us kindness, compassion, caring, and comfort. When we go to the dealership or the the doctor, we expect to see Brian or Michelle. We have always been treated as the most important person in the room, even when they are experiencing their own pain and suffering.
About one month ago, I took our vehicle in for service, looking for Brian. I was advised that he was on medical leave, and would not be returning any time soon. Not long after that, Kathi and I went to the doctor, where in the waiting room we saw Brian, and had an opportunity to catch up. Michelle came by to say hello to us, and Brian said "this is my wife"! Surprised and blessed was the feeling that day. Our world gets better and better. We now have an opportunity to pray with Brian and Michelle for Brian's healing (more later about Michelle's healing).
Brian's journey on this road began with kidney stones, and difficulty relieving him from the pain and discomfort associated with them. Next there was a surgery to remove part of his intestines. Then neurological complications, compounded with a compromised immune system. The diagnosis has been elusive, which I have labeled 'X' for this story. The problem with diagnosis 'X', or none, is now that Brian has been out of work for at least 33 weeks, his short term disability has run out, and his savings are quickily catching up...to zero. He cannot apply for SSI, as a diagnosis is needed. After 52 weeks out of work...yes, one year...you can apply for SSI, but only with a diagnosis.
He has to be seen at MUSC in Charleston regularly, and for this Michelle must take off from work to drive, as he is unable due to the neurologial issues with 'X'. Michelle has been going through her own healing, having had one knee replacement, and now needs the other replaced, as well. This has caused her to use all of her paid time off from her employer.
Lost wages are gone forever, but the bills and expenses remain. Does this seem like a snowball rolling downhill and getting bigger and bigger? Brian and Michelle do not live big materially. There are no big credit card accounts from frivolous buying. They are living a normal every day life, loving and serving others. Now it's time for them to be loved and served by others.
As the Christmas holiday is upon us, Brian's employer, as a family, has adopted Brian and Michelle as their Christmas beneficiary. We have added to that fund, and know that Brian and Michelle are deeply touched by the love and generosity of those close to them. Now, they need to see and feel the love and generosity of those near and far. 2018 is the great unknown for this beautiful couple. While they have faith and trust that the Lord will provide, we ask everyone reading this to join in a prayer of healing for both Brian and Michelle, and that they are supernaturally blessed with peace, comfort, and joy...this Christmas and beyond.
The need is real, the people are real, and the prayers are powerful. Help us make 2018 awesome for the Lubertos. Show your love...share the love.
May you be blessed abundantly today and always,
Bill and Kathi DeWitt
Brian called us tonight with news...some good...some not so good. The good news is there is a doctor who believes that Brian has a treatable condition, and with more testing, there may very well be a diagnosis. With a diagnosis, disability benefits will be available for the duration of healing and restoration. The not so good news is that the agency that will review his eligibility will answer his request in 5 to 6 months. This could feel like an eternity when there are so many unknowns.
We are so grateful for all of the donations and prayers that have come in. Prayer is such a powerful weapon against the things of this world that come against us. Please, never give up! Realistically, the need for financial support is ongoing, at least for now. We are praying that the resources to keep Brian and Michelle 'above water' will continue to flow.
Thank you for reading, praying, giving...Bill and Kathi
Update 12-29-2017, 11:59 am...
Michelle recently took Brian to MUSC (Medical University of SC) in Charleston, SC, where he saw another specialist. Still no diagnosis. He's being referred to another doctor here, in Columbia, SC. Without a diagnosis, there is no treatment...or long term benefits.
2017 is quickly coming to an end, and 2018 brings a new year...with many unanswered questions for Brian and Michelle.
We ask eveyone to join us in prayer for peace, joy, comfort, and supernatural healing for Brian and Michelle. Also, that you prayerfully consider helping us in achieving our financial goal, as their funds are quickly being consumed.
Blessings for a great 2018! Bill and Kathi DeWitt
Now, the original letter...
PS - The 'X' truly means no diagnosis, and without one, the Luberto finances come to a screeching halt.
Now that you've seen the PS, here's the letter...
Dear friends,
I want ot introduce you to Brian and Michelle Luberto. My wife Kathi and I met them individually, and then, many years later, collectively. Brian is a vehicle service representative at our car dealership, where we have been a customer of his for about 16 years (he's worked there 23 years). His beautiful bride of 7 years, Michelle, is the person who checks us in, and helps us navigate the system of care, at our physicians office, where we've been going for about 9 years. Individually, they have represented to us kindness, compassion, caring, and comfort. When we go to the dealership or the the doctor, we expect to see Brian or Michelle. We have always been treated as the most important person in the room, even when they are experiencing their own pain and suffering.
About one month ago, I took our vehicle in for service, looking for Brian. I was advised that he was on medical leave, and would not be returning any time soon. Not long after that, Kathi and I went to the doctor, where in the waiting room we saw Brian, and had an opportunity to catch up. Michelle came by to say hello to us, and Brian said "this is my wife"! Surprised and blessed was the feeling that day. Our world gets better and better. We now have an opportunity to pray with Brian and Michelle for Brian's healing (more later about Michelle's healing).
Brian's journey on this road began with kidney stones, and difficulty relieving him from the pain and discomfort associated with them. Next there was a surgery to remove part of his intestines. Then neurological complications, compounded with a compromised immune system. The diagnosis has been elusive, which I have labeled 'X' for this story. The problem with diagnosis 'X', or none, is now that Brian has been out of work for at least 33 weeks, his short term disability has run out, and his savings are quickily catching up...to zero. He cannot apply for SSI, as a diagnosis is needed. After 52 weeks out of work...yes, one year...you can apply for SSI, but only with a diagnosis.
He has to be seen at MUSC in Charleston regularly, and for this Michelle must take off from work to drive, as he is unable due to the neurologial issues with 'X'. Michelle has been going through her own healing, having had one knee replacement, and now needs the other replaced, as well. This has caused her to use all of her paid time off from her employer.
Lost wages are gone forever, but the bills and expenses remain. Does this seem like a snowball rolling downhill and getting bigger and bigger? Brian and Michelle do not live big materially. There are no big credit card accounts from frivolous buying. They are living a normal every day life, loving and serving others. Now it's time for them to be loved and served by others.
As the Christmas holiday is upon us, Brian's employer, as a family, has adopted Brian and Michelle as their Christmas beneficiary. We have added to that fund, and know that Brian and Michelle are deeply touched by the love and generosity of those close to them. Now, they need to see and feel the love and generosity of those near and far. 2018 is the great unknown for this beautiful couple. While they have faith and trust that the Lord will provide, we ask everyone reading this to join in a prayer of healing for both Brian and Michelle, and that they are supernaturally blessed with peace, comfort, and joy...this Christmas and beyond.
The need is real, the people are real, and the prayers are powerful. Help us make 2018 awesome for the Lubertos. Show your love...share the love.
May you be blessed abundantly today and always,
Bill and Kathi DeWitt
Organizer and beneficiary
Bill DeWitt
Organizer
Irmo, SC
Brian Luberto
Beneficiary
