Allen Walck's Medical Mystery
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WHO AM I?
This is Dana Dick. Some of you might know me, some of you might not. If you know me, but you don't know Allen Walck, you've probably heard me talk about him. He is that much a part of my life. If you personally know Allen, then you know what a precious person he is.
Allen is a brother from another mother. He has been a part of my life since I can remember. He is also my brother in Christ, and that fact makes him eternally related. When friends hurt it is difficult, but when a close “family” member hurts it is even more painful. I've been wracking my brain, discussing with others and praying about a way to help Allen. This is what I've been prompted to do....
**One of my missionary friends always puts the main points at the top of the letters they send, so if you don't want all the detail, you know the main gist. I'm a detailed person, and I want to know it all, but some people just want you to cut to the chase. So...here is the long and the short of it, in reverse order. :)
THE SHORT OF IT
Allen's health issues are a mystery, debilitating, and costly. This gofundme campaign is being set up as an opportunity to help with Allen Walck's medical bills, prescriptions etc. They will be ongoing until the Lord directs the doctors/Allen to a solution. At this point, the one immediate bill that we know the cost of is his MRI. (Scheduled for April 30) IF the insurance company APPROVES it, Allen’s out of pocket cost is $1,840. Without the insurance approval, it will cost even more. After the MRI is a biopsy, and after the biopsy, we don’t know what will be required, but we do know that it will most definitely entail more money.
This is a tangible way to join together and help to encourage and lift Allen up. Thanks, in advance, to any of you that choose this way to support him!
THE LONG OF IT
Mysteries…they are intriguing….unless they affect our lives and physical well-being in a detrimental way.
For those of you that know Allen Walck, you know that he has been struggling with declining physical health for going on 4 years. I initially placed his decline as starting after his heart issue 2 years ago. He had the uncontrollable nose bleed that landed him in the hospital for over a week. They staved off a heart attack, and put him through many tests. It seemed like after that time, he started to decline; however, when I mentioned that his current physical issues started at that time, he told me that what he is facing now had already been a problem long before that moment. Allen didn’t realize when a muscle in his right thigh started twitching 4 years ago, that that was the start of something that would take a serious toll on his health. Slowly, but surely, the muscles throughout his body have come under attack from some unknown source.
This is the mystery. What is causing the debilitating pain/spasms/weakness and discomfort? He does not know. And, as of this moment, no medical personnel have been able to discover the cause. He has been to his general practitioner, all sorts of specialists, and even John Hopkins to try to discover the cause, and halt and reverse “its” progress. They have ruled out MS, lyme disease, lupus, diabetes, chrones disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, and a few other major diseases. Hopkins has even ruled out the rare Myositis. Allen has tried traditional medicines and natural/nutritional supplements with no change and no halting of the progression.
SYMPTOMS
At this point, Allen’s symptoms include a constant headache, brain fog, arm/hand/leg/feet/skin numbness, back and hip pain, all over muscles twitching/spasms and weakness, and the inability to sleep, which adds to the exhaustion he feels from his body fighting itself. Of course, this leads to an inability for his body to fight off sinus infections and other common issues. Some days are physically/mentally better than others. Some days he has to use a cane to walk; some days he can slowly get around without a cane. Some days he has less pain and less brain fog; and some days he can’t even go in to work.
God has provided for Allen over and over again. He has the most gracious of employers. They see his value, and they are working with him as he struggles through this mysterious illness.
PERSONALITY/MINISTRY
Since Allen was very young, he has had a heart for people. The Lord has gifted him in this way. It is why he would stop and help strangers with car problems along the road, why he has been a groomsman in so many weddings, why he has taken in several different troubled young men to live with him off and on throughout the years, why for years he’s had a Bible study for young men at his home, how he made “Cabin 6” the cabin all the boys in Teen Week at Camp Tohiglo could not wait to get into.
Over the years, Allen has dedicated hours upon hours of time to help others. Some, of us have personally benefitted from his care. Whether it is that he is fixing a computer (yes, before and after owning Castle Computer, he has done this pro bono), creating videos or forms, managing a website, helping to cater, counseling/being assistant Dean/lifeguard at Camp Tohiglo, running FBC/Berea youth events, going to the rescue mission, being a Sunday School teacher or just helping an event run smoothly. He is talented, witty, loyal, and loving. The list could go on and on.
FAITH TESTED/REFINING
Over the last two years, it has become increasingly difficult for Allen to do that which he loves to do. He used to be a presence at all church events, but now he is often missed. Does he continue the best he can? Yes, but it is so much more difficult, and, frankly, he no longer can do many things he used to. It is painful to watch someone that you care for struggle and become increasingly more debilitated.
About a year into recognizing that this wasn’t some physical issue that was just going to go away quickly, Allen stated that this was where his faith was really being tested. This is where the rubber meets the road. Did he really believe what he had been teaching in his Bible studies? Did he really trust the Lord? Did he believe that ALL things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose? Did he believe that God would supply ALL his needs? Allen does, and God continually shows Himself faithful.
We all know that medical bills are overwhelming at times, and stressful to deal with. The longer a situation continues, the more bills can pile up. The more bills, the more stress. The more stress, the worse it is on an already battle weary body.
INSURANCE ISSUES
Allen has been waiting since early August of last year for approval from his insurance to get an MRI on his thigh muscles. They have denied him multiple times, but now he has his new insurance company looking into it. Hopkins wants to go forward with helping him figure out what is happening to him. After he gets the MRI, they want a muscle biopsy on both thighs. So…more money.
ANSWERS
Does Hopkins have the answer to what is going on in his body? We don’t know, but the Lord does. He is in control of the timing, money etc. We know that. We look to Him for answers and all praise and glory go to HIM.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Pray
Please remember to pray for Allen. Pray for healing. Pray for spiritual insight and insight into his health. Pray for encouragement. Pray that his faith would continue to increase in the midst of this trial.
Give Tangibly
There has been much encouragement during this time of testing…from his wonderful employers, to friends mowing his lawn or bringing meals. You can ask him what physical needs he has. You can also give to this campain.
Verbal Encouragement
Most of us are encouraged when someone takes the time to reach out to us. A card/ letter/email or text could lift his spirits. Remember, Allen likes people. Because he often is too exhausted to do what he would have in the past, this has been an isolating situation in many ways.
TO END
The scripture speaks to supporting one another during the battle… in Exodus 17:12, God gives us an example of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’s arms when he no longer could do so on his own… in Galations 6:2, Paul tells us to bear one another’s burdens. There are many scriptures that speak to coming alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ and helping them. Many of you have already reached out in tangible ways, and Allen is grateful.
As time goes on, it’s easy for it to become “out of sight, out of mind” or, “I saw Allen the other day, and he didn’t seem like he was doing too badly or was in pain.” I assure you, Allen is ALWAYS in pain. The struggle is very real and continues, and, as the Lord leads….let us continue to encourage him.
This is Dana Dick. Some of you might know me, some of you might not. If you know me, but you don't know Allen Walck, you've probably heard me talk about him. He is that much a part of my life. If you personally know Allen, then you know what a precious person he is.
Allen is a brother from another mother. He has been a part of my life since I can remember. He is also my brother in Christ, and that fact makes him eternally related. When friends hurt it is difficult, but when a close “family” member hurts it is even more painful. I've been wracking my brain, discussing with others and praying about a way to help Allen. This is what I've been prompted to do....
**One of my missionary friends always puts the main points at the top of the letters they send, so if you don't want all the detail, you know the main gist. I'm a detailed person, and I want to know it all, but some people just want you to cut to the chase. So...here is the long and the short of it, in reverse order. :)
THE SHORT OF IT
Allen's health issues are a mystery, debilitating, and costly. This gofundme campaign is being set up as an opportunity to help with Allen Walck's medical bills, prescriptions etc. They will be ongoing until the Lord directs the doctors/Allen to a solution. At this point, the one immediate bill that we know the cost of is his MRI. (Scheduled for April 30) IF the insurance company APPROVES it, Allen’s out of pocket cost is $1,840. Without the insurance approval, it will cost even more. After the MRI is a biopsy, and after the biopsy, we don’t know what will be required, but we do know that it will most definitely entail more money.
This is a tangible way to join together and help to encourage and lift Allen up. Thanks, in advance, to any of you that choose this way to support him!
THE LONG OF IT
Mysteries…they are intriguing….unless they affect our lives and physical well-being in a detrimental way.
For those of you that know Allen Walck, you know that he has been struggling with declining physical health for going on 4 years. I initially placed his decline as starting after his heart issue 2 years ago. He had the uncontrollable nose bleed that landed him in the hospital for over a week. They staved off a heart attack, and put him through many tests. It seemed like after that time, he started to decline; however, when I mentioned that his current physical issues started at that time, he told me that what he is facing now had already been a problem long before that moment. Allen didn’t realize when a muscle in his right thigh started twitching 4 years ago, that that was the start of something that would take a serious toll on his health. Slowly, but surely, the muscles throughout his body have come under attack from some unknown source.
This is the mystery. What is causing the debilitating pain/spasms/weakness and discomfort? He does not know. And, as of this moment, no medical personnel have been able to discover the cause. He has been to his general practitioner, all sorts of specialists, and even John Hopkins to try to discover the cause, and halt and reverse “its” progress. They have ruled out MS, lyme disease, lupus, diabetes, chrones disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, and a few other major diseases. Hopkins has even ruled out the rare Myositis. Allen has tried traditional medicines and natural/nutritional supplements with no change and no halting of the progression.
SYMPTOMS
At this point, Allen’s symptoms include a constant headache, brain fog, arm/hand/leg/feet/skin numbness, back and hip pain, all over muscles twitching/spasms and weakness, and the inability to sleep, which adds to the exhaustion he feels from his body fighting itself. Of course, this leads to an inability for his body to fight off sinus infections and other common issues. Some days are physically/mentally better than others. Some days he has to use a cane to walk; some days he can slowly get around without a cane. Some days he has less pain and less brain fog; and some days he can’t even go in to work.
God has provided for Allen over and over again. He has the most gracious of employers. They see his value, and they are working with him as he struggles through this mysterious illness.
PERSONALITY/MINISTRY
Since Allen was very young, he has had a heart for people. The Lord has gifted him in this way. It is why he would stop and help strangers with car problems along the road, why he has been a groomsman in so many weddings, why he has taken in several different troubled young men to live with him off and on throughout the years, why for years he’s had a Bible study for young men at his home, how he made “Cabin 6” the cabin all the boys in Teen Week at Camp Tohiglo could not wait to get into.
Over the years, Allen has dedicated hours upon hours of time to help others. Some, of us have personally benefitted from his care. Whether it is that he is fixing a computer (yes, before and after owning Castle Computer, he has done this pro bono), creating videos or forms, managing a website, helping to cater, counseling/being assistant Dean/lifeguard at Camp Tohiglo, running FBC/Berea youth events, going to the rescue mission, being a Sunday School teacher or just helping an event run smoothly. He is talented, witty, loyal, and loving. The list could go on and on.
FAITH TESTED/REFINING
Over the last two years, it has become increasingly difficult for Allen to do that which he loves to do. He used to be a presence at all church events, but now he is often missed. Does he continue the best he can? Yes, but it is so much more difficult, and, frankly, he no longer can do many things he used to. It is painful to watch someone that you care for struggle and become increasingly more debilitated.
About a year into recognizing that this wasn’t some physical issue that was just going to go away quickly, Allen stated that this was where his faith was really being tested. This is where the rubber meets the road. Did he really believe what he had been teaching in his Bible studies? Did he really trust the Lord? Did he believe that ALL things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose? Did he believe that God would supply ALL his needs? Allen does, and God continually shows Himself faithful.
We all know that medical bills are overwhelming at times, and stressful to deal with. The longer a situation continues, the more bills can pile up. The more bills, the more stress. The more stress, the worse it is on an already battle weary body.
INSURANCE ISSUES
Allen has been waiting since early August of last year for approval from his insurance to get an MRI on his thigh muscles. They have denied him multiple times, but now he has his new insurance company looking into it. Hopkins wants to go forward with helping him figure out what is happening to him. After he gets the MRI, they want a muscle biopsy on both thighs. So…more money.
ANSWERS
Does Hopkins have the answer to what is going on in his body? We don’t know, but the Lord does. He is in control of the timing, money etc. We know that. We look to Him for answers and all praise and glory go to HIM.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Pray
Please remember to pray for Allen. Pray for healing. Pray for spiritual insight and insight into his health. Pray for encouragement. Pray that his faith would continue to increase in the midst of this trial.
Give Tangibly
There has been much encouragement during this time of testing…from his wonderful employers, to friends mowing his lawn or bringing meals. You can ask him what physical needs he has. You can also give to this campain.
Verbal Encouragement
Most of us are encouraged when someone takes the time to reach out to us. A card/ letter/email or text could lift his spirits. Remember, Allen likes people. Because he often is too exhausted to do what he would have in the past, this has been an isolating situation in many ways.
TO END
The scripture speaks to supporting one another during the battle… in Exodus 17:12, God gives us an example of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’s arms when he no longer could do so on his own… in Galations 6:2, Paul tells us to bear one another’s burdens. There are many scriptures that speak to coming alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ and helping them. Many of you have already reached out in tangible ways, and Allen is grateful.
As time goes on, it’s easy for it to become “out of sight, out of mind” or, “I saw Allen the other day, and he didn’t seem like he was doing too badly or was in pain.” I assure you, Allen is ALWAYS in pain. The struggle is very real and continues, and, as the Lord leads….let us continue to encourage him.
Organizer
Dana Dick
Organizer
Hagerstown, MD