Donate for Bethian's Ongoing Medical Care

Just to introduce myself for those of you who may not know me, I am Lisa Krichbaum-Lankford (Mrs. K-L) and my husband is Bethian "Preacher" Lankford. Yes, a man of God, if you ever met him, you would know!

Thursday, August 21, 2025, which looked to be a promising day, until I realized before heading into my School OPEN HOUSE to meet my 4th graders this year, that my husband could not even stand up to go to the bathroom. He had to call off work and had trouble breathing from walking from one table to another table. Every day after this one just kept getting worse. He was not getting any sleep; his chest and breathing became very shallow. He had a hard time even sleeping per night. I would wake up in the middle of the night and I could tell he was in so much pain. Each day, he would say, "I am going to do my best to get better. I promise, wifey, that I am going to eat right and make sure I am doing what I am supposed to." Every day just kept getting worse, and I had gotten to the point where seeing all the pain he was going through, I had taken a 1/2 day off work and we both decided to take him to Hoke County Hospital ER on Wednesday, September 3. He was admitted right away in Hoke Hospital, but due to the amount of pneumonia and sleep apnea, and his breathing, they transferred him to Cape Fear Valley Hospital and got him into a bed right away. I was so exhausted and I had talked to the nurses about what they believe is going on with him, and why he is not being able to breathe and also I mentioned that he does not have any insurance. I finally left that night around 9:30 p.m. and he was on the first floor. In the morning when I returned, they had moved him to the 3rd floor and had a lot of machines hooked up to him. I was praying as I walked into the room. He was intubated and heavily dehydrated. I knew that it was getting worse. His heart rate was very high, and he had pneumonia on his lungs and heart. My heart wanted to cry because I could not do anything to help him feel better.

By the time I had arrived Thursday, they had cut his fluids/liquids to try to take all the liquids that his body had taken on. His body had a lot of fluid and his legs were swollen and his stomach also had a lot of liquids built up. They also conducted blood work, an MRI, X-rays, a CT scan, and they also rebuilt him a program that is dealing with sleep apnea. The sleep he was getting per night was not enough. He would get 1-3 hours daily only. I noticed that his heart was very high beating as well and overworked. All I kept thinking was, this is going to be so expensive and how are we going to pay for all of this. I need to be strong for my husband and let him see that I am here for him 100%.

I can’t begin to even describe the financial hardship this is putting on us as medical expenses in the states are astronomical and with each passing day the bills are stacking up with no insurance. With the uncertainty of the future weighing heavy on this family, I'd like to try and get him as much help as I possibly can so that he does not have to worry about how he is going to have to provide for his family. Every little bit helps and we are extremely grateful for any support. If you are unable to donate, then please just send prayers our way as we are in need. Donations can be made here or directly to Lisa Krichbaum-Lankford (his wife). Please respect our privacy at this time while we navigate the rough waters ahead.

Thank you,

Lisa Krichbaum-Lankford