On Dec 20th, Dee Raak, mother of Kyle and wife of Ron, received a routine neck fusion surgery that did not go as planned. While the surgery was successful, complications left Dee unable to breathe on her own, leading to cardiac arrest and the urgent need for life support. The following weeks in the ICU were marked by setbacks—failed attempts to remove the ventilator, multiple transfers between hospitals, and the uncertainty of whether she would ever regain independence. But Dee was surrounded by good care, her loved ones, and saw God’s faithfulness through the long dark days. On Jan 14th, she successfully underwent a tracheotomy at UofM Hospital, a pivotal step in her recovery. Slowly, she began to improve, moving out of the ICU and transitioning to specialty care. By Feb 2nd, the trach was removed, a milestone that should have been a turning point.

Instead, it became a new battle—this time against an unforgiving insurance system. Despite having no discharge plan, coverage was cut off for 3 days, leaving Dee and her family burdened with unexpected hospital bills to pay out of pocket for her continued care. Dee has since been transfered back to Holland for care, which has been a blessing to be so close to Ron and Kyle, who had spent months carpooling to Ann Arbor to be by her side. As of right now, insurance has just extended their cover another week (thru 3/13). Praise the Lord! That being said, it is only a matter of time until insurance is dropped and Dee and family are left to find care that will suit Dee's needs while paying out of pocket coverage.

This brings us to the creation of this page. Watching friends and loved ones walk a long, painful, often times scary road is hard. No darkness is without hope, though, and we have the opportunity to come along side Kyle and his parents. Our goals are to replenish the bulk of finances already spent on the medical journey thus far, to fund the current needs that Dee has for continued assisted living and rehab while her insurance is soon to run out, and to support Dee, Ron and Kyle in the months of recovery ahead in her transition to in-home care.

In addition, future financial needs include wheelchair ramp, in home medical visits, medications, physical therapy etc.

Thank you for joining us with love and thanksgiving as we lift the Raak family in prayer and walk along side them as best we can.

If you have any further questions or want to support in other ways, please feel free to send a message and I would be happy to assist.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”" Lamentations 3:22-24