Donate to help the Howertons

Hi. Many of you are aware of the incredible challenges facing Mike and Tammy, but for those who may not be aware, here’s what’s going on:

Mike had surgery on Valentine’s Day to remove a very large polyp that could not be removed during a colonoscopy. The surgery, which took place at Barnes, ended up being quite extensive, as over two feet of Mike’s colon had to be removed. However, Mike appeared to make great strides in his recovery and was allowed to return to Quincy on Saturday. Unfortunately, Mike began feeling unwell before he and Tammy even made it home. After they arrived home, Mike became violently ill and, long story short, Mike’s incision, which ran from top to bottom of his entire abdomen, opened up. Thank goodness there was a doctor in the house (Dr. Mike Kirkpatrick, the next door neighbor!). Mike went by ambulance to Blessing ER, where he was then airlifted back to Barnes. It turns out that while Mike’s lower intestines seemed to be doing what was expected, his upper intestines were not functioning and things began to back up. Mike went through three surgeries in four days after his return to Barnes. He is not yet off the ventilator, but he is showing that Mike Howerton sense of humor that we all love. Mike has a stoma and will have an ostomy bag for 6+ months. Estimates are for a month at Barnes, then he will go to a rehab facility. Mike and family are looking at a recovery that will be measured in months, not weeks. If you know Tammy, then it won’t surprise you to learn that she refuses to leave Mike’s side, other than to go to her room at Barnes Lodge to sleep and shower. If it wasn’t for some bossy friends, she would be sleeping in Mike’s room in the ICU.

Mike and Tammy are facing incredible challenges with his recovery, in terms of his physical health, missed income, costs for food and lodging and medical bills. That doesn’t even include the emotional toll this is taking not only on Mike and Tammy, but on the entire Howerton family.

Thankfully, the Howertons have an incredible faith, as well as a truly amazing support system. Many of you have already stepped in to help out, whether financially, or spiritually, sharing your resources and/or your time. Tammy and Mike both greatly appreciate the many visitors who have come to the hospital to show their love and support. Many of you have asked how you can help and Tammy has given me permission to set up this Go-Fund-Me account, but also to share her Venmo information, as well as a mailing address for those who would like to avoid the fee that is charged for the Go-Fund-Me account and give via Venmo or check. I will post that on Facebook, tagging Tammy and Mike.

By the way, the polyp was cancerous, but the doctor feels that no further treatment will be necessary!