<div>In November of 2025, my husband began experiencing a severe flare of Ulcerative Colitis. For those unfamiliar, Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful inflammation of the gut and large intestine.
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<div>We first saw a doctor in November and were prescribed medication that unfortunately did not help. This led to our first hospital visit, where he was sent home with pain medication and advised to follow up with a GI specialist. We completed all of the GI testing and appointments, but despite our best efforts, his symptoms started to worsen each day
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<div>Around Christmas time, he was still in severe pain, which led to another hospital visit. This time, he was admitted for about a week and then discharged with the hope that a new medication would soon arrive and begin helping him heal. Sadly, we were back in the hospital and admitted again the very next day. This second stay lasted about five days. During this time, a possible transfer to the Cleveland Clinic was discussed and a referral was sent.
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<div>Once again, he was discharged to begin a new medication regimen. However, the medications had to be delivered outpatient, and due to worsening pain and complications, we needed to be re-admitted. Because we already had a referral, we made the difficult decision to drive to the Cleveland Clinic for further care.
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<div>While at the Cleveland Clinic, his condition was so severe that doctors were actively discussing whether his large intestine could be saved. Surgery was a very real possibility due to the extent of the inflammation and damage. By the grace of God and the expertise of his medical team, they ultimately decided to continue aggressive medical treatment in hopes of avoiding surgery. After more than a month of hospital stays, we are finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel and are hopeful to be heading home soon.
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<div>This situation has been the greatest test of our faith. We have truly had no option but to surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that no matter the outcome, He will walk with us through it all. We are incredibly grateful for our family, church family, and friends who have prayed for us and supported us during this time.
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<div>Unfortunately, being in the hospital for over a month and unable to work has placed us in a very difficult financial position. While we have not yet received all of the hospital bills, we have listed an estimate of the assistance we may need. If you feel led or if the Lord places it on your heart to give, we would appreciate it more than words can express. We know this is a big ask, but we also know that the Lord provides in many ways.
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<div>Our journey is not over yet, but we trust that the Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), and we have faith that everything will be okay.
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Mark Holbein

Sally J Houser

Vanessa Howard

Madi Hollinger

Josh Tattrie

Troy Ernest

Blake Cole

Thomas Scott

Trevor Dotson

Anonymous

Lexi Mae Downard

Jordan Gray

Daniel Cherkas

Amy Stephens

Jessica Bresson

Alex Sanders

Alexandra Muir

Russ Conkle

Faith and Strength for Our Medical Battle

Faith and Strength for Our Medical Battle

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