Dana Gillig- CowDoc: A Tale of Grit, Guts, & Grace
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Dana Gillig- CowDoc: A Tale of Grit, Guts, & Grace
Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix water, ashes, and yellow mustard?* Well, if you toss in over 40 years of memories that include playing at each other’s houses, renting a neighborhood swimming pool, school events, band, 4-H, being a mentor for my animal loving child, and so, so much more, you get a lifelong friendship with Dana Gillig and the entire Gillig Family.
*My first memory of Dana is when I was three and we were building our house next door to theirs. We were sitting in the dirt making “pies” out of, you guessed it, water, ashes, and yellow mustard. It was grand! I don’t know if the moms would agree…
Dana has touched many lives throughout the years. Whether it be in her work as CowDoc Extraordinaire; her teaching career; mentoring youth; working in her church family; her beautiful gift of friendship; her willingness to drop everything to help you out; or just gracing you with that joyful smile; Dana is a force to be reckoned with.
Many of you know that she has been extremely ill for the better part of 15 years and at times, has battled for her life. She had to make the decision to give up her veterinarian practice, had to leave her position teaching at the local community college, and was put in the position to move in with her WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC (insert other adjectives here) parents, Ron and Jean, so that they could aid in her physical care.
Throughout the years of extreme pain; extended hospital stays; countless surgeries; loss of income; mounting medical bills; and loss of independence (just to name a few), Dana has remained the definition of grace under fire. Yes, she has her bad days and struggles, but when asked how she has been able to persevere with such strength and general positivity through this whole trial, she will tell you that it is her unwavering faith in God that has kept her going. Knowing that He has a plan in all of this. And seeing how her trials have helped others along the way. So, she has continued to bless us with her tell-it-like-it-is, straight shooting, spunky attitude and that beautiful, megawatt smile.
I strive to emulate Dana in my own life.
Last Friday, January 29, 2021, Dana underwent yet another surgery. This time she is in Omaha with a new doctor and had what is, in essence, a total reconstruction of her entire digestive system. If all goes well, this will put her back on the path to healing and health.
With this new surgery comes new hope… and new bills that add in with the old bills. And as mentioned, Dana has not been able to work for several years now. In addition, she has maintained her house with the dream of one day being independent again. Ron and Jean have stayed in a hotel the last few days ($) which means eating out ($). They will head home and then return when Dana is stable enough to come home which means more gas ($). As you can see, it adds up... quickly! The Gillig family will be the very first to tell you that they have been BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE by family and friends pitching in to help!!! And I am very likely going to catch a little flack for writing this (I’m tough; I’ll take it if it helps them), but I come to you today to ask if you can take a turn to lend them a hand? Whether it be for the first time or the fifth or if it is $5 or $50… EVERYTHING IS SO VERY APPRECIATED! If you can’t afford to contribute monetarily at this time, that is completely OK! We ask that you do ONE thing and if you choose, preferably a second:
First and foremost: Please pray for Dana, Ron, Jean, Jarrod, Jamie, Dakota, and Kinsley as they continue this path together as a strong family. May the Lord continue to give them the Grit, Guts, and Grace to deal with her guts, er, circumstances.
Secondly: If you would, please share this page on any and every social media site you are associated with so that others may have the opportunity to hear Dana’s story and help. And, even more importantly, maybe give hope to someone out there who is struggling on their own so that they may see joy in their own trials.
On behalf of the Gillig family and ALL of us who love Dana, thank you in advance for your support!
P.S. I don’t think it’s the pies we made that set off her stomach issues, but just in case, if she ever offers you a slice of pie, JUST SAY NO!
Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix water, ashes, and yellow mustard?* Well, if you toss in over 40 years of memories that include playing at each other’s houses, renting a neighborhood swimming pool, school events, band, 4-H, being a mentor for my animal loving child, and so, so much more, you get a lifelong friendship with Dana Gillig and the entire Gillig Family.
*My first memory of Dana is when I was three and we were building our house next door to theirs. We were sitting in the dirt making “pies” out of, you guessed it, water, ashes, and yellow mustard. It was grand! I don’t know if the moms would agree…
Dana has touched many lives throughout the years. Whether it be in her work as CowDoc Extraordinaire; her teaching career; mentoring youth; working in her church family; her beautiful gift of friendship; her willingness to drop everything to help you out; or just gracing you with that joyful smile; Dana is a force to be reckoned with.
Many of you know that she has been extremely ill for the better part of 15 years and at times, has battled for her life. She had to make the decision to give up her veterinarian practice, had to leave her position teaching at the local community college, and was put in the position to move in with her WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC (insert other adjectives here) parents, Ron and Jean, so that they could aid in her physical care.
Throughout the years of extreme pain; extended hospital stays; countless surgeries; loss of income; mounting medical bills; and loss of independence (just to name a few), Dana has remained the definition of grace under fire. Yes, she has her bad days and struggles, but when asked how she has been able to persevere with such strength and general positivity through this whole trial, she will tell you that it is her unwavering faith in God that has kept her going. Knowing that He has a plan in all of this. And seeing how her trials have helped others along the way. So, she has continued to bless us with her tell-it-like-it-is, straight shooting, spunky attitude and that beautiful, megawatt smile.
I strive to emulate Dana in my own life.
Last Friday, January 29, 2021, Dana underwent yet another surgery. This time she is in Omaha with a new doctor and had what is, in essence, a total reconstruction of her entire digestive system. If all goes well, this will put her back on the path to healing and health.
With this new surgery comes new hope… and new bills that add in with the old bills. And as mentioned, Dana has not been able to work for several years now. In addition, she has maintained her house with the dream of one day being independent again. Ron and Jean have stayed in a hotel the last few days ($) which means eating out ($). They will head home and then return when Dana is stable enough to come home which means more gas ($). As you can see, it adds up... quickly! The Gillig family will be the very first to tell you that they have been BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE by family and friends pitching in to help!!! And I am very likely going to catch a little flack for writing this (I’m tough; I’ll take it if it helps them), but I come to you today to ask if you can take a turn to lend them a hand? Whether it be for the first time or the fifth or if it is $5 or $50… EVERYTHING IS SO VERY APPRECIATED! If you can’t afford to contribute monetarily at this time, that is completely OK! We ask that you do ONE thing and if you choose, preferably a second:
First and foremost: Please pray for Dana, Ron, Jean, Jarrod, Jamie, Dakota, and Kinsley as they continue this path together as a strong family. May the Lord continue to give them the Grit, Guts, and Grace to deal with her guts, er, circumstances.
Secondly: If you would, please share this page on any and every social media site you are associated with so that others may have the opportunity to hear Dana’s story and help. And, even more importantly, maybe give hope to someone out there who is struggling on their own so that they may see joy in their own trials.
On behalf of the Gillig family and ALL of us who love Dana, thank you in advance for your support!
P.S. I don’t think it’s the pies we made that set off her stomach issues, but just in case, if she ever offers you a slice of pie, JUST SAY NO!
Organiser and beneficiary
Stacey Mudd Perry
Organiser
Grain Valley, MO
Dana Gillig
Beneficiary