Friends and Family,

I'm writing to ask for your generosity to support my older brother, Pete, and his family. Pete is married to Svetlana and has three children: Austin, Christoper, and Niels. A couple of weeks before Christmas, Pete got sick and was diagnosed with COVID-19, which led to double pneumonia. As of Christmas Day, his situation intensified, and he is now in a coma at a hospital in Moldova (where he lives).

Because of the hospital rules, Svetlana can't be by his side and is waiting in the hallways, day and night, for updates. As you can imagine, the emotional, physical, and financial toll this is taking is overwhelming for the whole family.

A representative from the U.S. Embassy in Moldova visited the hospital to speak to Svetlana and the medical team. They all agree that they can transfer Pete to a U.S. hospital in Germany once he is stable. That would be a blessing because Pete is a service-connected disabled veteran, and having him in a U.S. hospital could come with financial assistance to pay the medical bills. It could also make additional medications available to him that are not available in Moldova.  However, as of today, we need to find funds to pay for his air transport to Germany, his wife's ticket to Germany, and the hospital bills already accumulating in Moldova (ICU, ventilator, two ambulance rides, blood transfusions, medications, etc.), and inexpensive lodging for Svetlana.  Some nights she has found places to stay with friends, but some nights she sleeps in their car, until she can go back inside the hospital in the morning. 

As an American in Moldova, he entered the hospital on a "pay as you go" plan, which means the expense is falling squarely on them, and their income is based on a disability payment Pete receives from the VA.

There are also daily life challenges. The younger children (under 10 years old) are three hours away from the hospital and are scared they won't see their dad again. His adult son, Austin, is in America anxiously waiting for updates like the rest of us. Svetlana is trying to balance it all, but I think it would be overwhelming for any of us.

Let me share a little about Pete that you may not know. Pete has always been a rock in our family and his community. He is the one to help people without looking for kudos on social media or bragging to friends. He is not an attention seeker. He has given time, money, food, and literal clothing off his back to help others. 

• One current example is when the war broke out in nearby Ukraine, he was picking up refugees at the border, driving them to Romania, and giving them food and safe travel. 
• Another time, he saw a social media post from a veteran (who he didn’t know) and this veteran was suicidal. Pete messaged him back and forth for hours, encouraging him and listening. 
  
• Then, most recently, his sister-in-law's house burned down in a tragic fire, and Pete and Svetlana opened their two-bedroom home to a family of five. That means they have nine people in their house, and Pete's disability payment is the source of income to support them all. Those are just a few examples of Pete's heart. He will go without, so someone else doesn’t, and he doesn’t look for recognition.
  

It would be amazing if we all joined together and showed them how much they are loved and supported. This will allow Svetlana to focus on Pete and the kids' needs without the heavy burden of financial stress.

 

Even giving $10 or $25 will add up and bless them. But honestly, any amount helps and is deeply appreciated! Svetlana is doing all that she can and has already gathered her belongings to sell to make ends meet.

Lastly, we serve a good God. One who is able and His word says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 

He is

• Jehovah-Rapha (God who Heals; see Exodus 15:22-26 as well as many other scriptures). 
  
• Jehovah-Jireh (God who Provides; see Genesis 22:12-14 as well as many other scriptures). 
  
• Jehovah-Shalom (God who is Peace; see Judges 6:23-24 as well as many other scriptures). 
  

So we ask that you continue to lift their family in prayer. Pray for Pete's healing. Pray for the medical teams. Pray for peace. Pray for comfort. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray for provision. Pray for Svetlana and the three kids as they face this difficult situation as a family. #MiracleForPete 

* Update as of 12/27/23 - The cost of one of the ambulance rides has been forgiven by the ambulance company. My friends, prayer is powerful and God will make a way.

* Update as of 12/28/23 - Although Pete is still on a ventilator and in a coma, the doctors said he is “doing a little bit better” and they are ready to add medications beyond lifesaving ones. This is a win!  Continuing to pray for his lung and kidney function to improve. God is able.

* Update as of 1/1/24 - Pete has stabilized. He hasn’t gotten better, but he also hasn’t gotten worse.  The doctors are working on having a new medicine shipped in to help his body fight. Praying for success. 

* Update as of 1/6/24 - Pete is still fighting! He now has a tracheotomy to relieve some of the pressure that was done by the intubation tube. Also, some important medication arrived which we have been waiting on for over a week. Please keep praying. 

Please share.

Thank you,

Catherine and the family.