Annette's Mountains of Miracles for Medical Mysteries

The Engelmann family have become dear friends of ours. We became friends in Rochester MN where we were blessed by many years of being in ministry with Annette at Rochester Central Lutheran School. Annette touched many lives with her love of the Lord and her musical talents. Not only did she teach classroom music, but she also directed bands, bell choirs, and other musical groups while she inspired the love of music in many children. Her music ministry did not stop there; she led church music groups, played the organ, and participated in community music groups. Her music ministry continued in the local school districts and Concordia St. Paul with the family's move to Cottage Grove, MN. She made an impact on our lives and now we hope to make an impact on hers.

Not only does the family request our prayers for a miracle, but they are also in need of financial support to cover the weeks of medical care, medical procedures, surgeries, and her continuing hospital stay. Annette’s immediate goal is to become well enough to return home and begin chemotherapy, which will, of course, cause additional financial need. Your generosity will facilitate them in facing the unknown future ahead.

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*Prayers for healing and a medical miracle. We serve an amazing, powerful God that can do anything.

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Keep abreast of the needs of the family with Annette’s Caring Bridge site https://Keep abreast of the needs of the family with Annette’s Caring Bridge site https://www.caringbridge.org/site/aa12d9d8-5927-11ef-aa10-85e389825a65?from=%2Fsearch&fname=Annette

Annette's Story

Annette was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma during the summer of 2024. Here is her story.

In March and April, she started noticing persistent back pain and wounds that healed unusually slowly. By June, the back pain had intensified, and Annette found herself losing her appetite, a troubling sign that prompted further medical attention.

An upper endoscopy revealed a cancerous tumor in her duodenum, part of the small intestine. That month, Annette endured numerous hospital visits and tests to assess the extent of her adenocarcinoma and explore potential treatments.

On July 26, during a consultation at the Mayo Clinic, Annette and her husband Adam received devastating news. Surgery was no longer a viable option because the cancer had spread extensively to her liver, with over 60 lesions detected. Reeling from the diagnosis, they sought solace and guidance from their pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In the wake of this emotional upheaval, Annette began preparing for chemotherapy. However, just a few weeks later, after having a port inserted in her shoulder for the treatment, she received more frustrating news. Her bilirubin levels were too high to start chemotherapy, necessitating an Endoscopic (aka. ERCP) procedure. On August 5, Annette underwent the ERCP, which involved placing stents to keep the bile ducts open, so the liver and pancreas could "drain" their waste. Unfortunately, the procedure led to severe complications. The following day, she experienced intense pain and a dangerously high heart rate of nearly 140 beats per minute. It was later believed that the scope had perforated tissue, leading to an infection, or sepsis.

Thank God for how he created the human body, Annette’s body has been responding to treatments. She remains in the hospital, where she is expected to stay through the weekend. Despite the challenges, her vital signs are improving, and she is adhering to the doctors' advice. We will continue to provide updates as her situation evolves.The Engelmann family have become dear friends of ours. We became friends in Rochester MN where we were blessed by many years of being in ministry with Annette at Rochester Central Lutheran School. Annette touched many lives with her love of the Lord and her musical talents. Not only did she teach classroom music, but she also directed bands, bell choirs, and other musical groups while she inspired the love of music in many children. Her music ministry did not stop there, as she led church music groups, played the organ, and participated in community music groups, as well. She made an impact on our lives and now we hope to make an impact on hers.

Not only does the family request our prayers for a miracle, but they are also in need of financial support to cover the weeks of medical care, medical procedures, and surgeries, and her continuing hospital stay. Annette’s immediate goal is to become well enough to return home and begin chemotherapy, which will, of course, cause additional financial need. Your generosity will facilitate them in facing the unknown future ahead.