"Grace in the Time of Need", Josie's Burn Recovery Fund

We are the Tvrdik Family with 5 beautiful children. Our youngest, then 14 month old Josie, was hospitalized for 22 days at the University of Utah Burn Center in July and August.

Josie was getting ready for bathtime, Daddy stepped out to change our toddler's diaper, and in the meantime Josie had learned to turn the hot water on. We weren't aware that the water heater was set much higher than recommended. The elapse of time in between the hot water getting turned on and that diaper change getting finished, was just momentary-- and however accidental, something that greatly changed the course of our summer.

Though the time at the University of Utah Hospital was trying-- one week of declaring burns, skin grafts, and two weeks of recovery, and painful daily "wound care" treatments-- it was also filled with beautiful moments for me (Mama) to connect more with Josie, my littlest one. We had a routine at the Burn Center, which included: Morning Bible and prayer together, breakfast, trekking down the hallway in a soft red wagon lent to us by the Burn Center to do laundry, visiting and greeting nurses, visiting and greeting other families and neighbors at the Burn Center and hearing their stories. Afternoon would include lunch and nap, then followed my an afternoon walk to explore the hospital. We also loved getting to take nearly daily walks across the "Glass Bridge"-- a skyway that connects the Hospital with other medical centers.

During our time there, as we continued to cast our cares on God, we "received mercy and found grace to help in the time of need." (Heb 4:16) Truly, that grace began to overflow-- not only from hospital staff to us-- but also from God's word in our hearts and into the hearts of others affected by burns at the center. (Sometimes, I just cried and needed a hug from someone-- thank you, Dr. Thompson!) I was able to talk to so many people about our faith in Christ and share our story, and ultimately parts of His story-- the Gospel. There are so many in Utah that have heard of Jesus, but have never really known or experienced His grace poured-out in their lives.

One woman in particular had a son in his teens there for burns. She was due to be there with him for several months. He had been in and out of hard situations. Barriers broke-- "Do you want me to pray for you?" I asked. She gladly accepted. There, in the midst of that roundabout hallway, praying for "grace in her time of need", too.

We met another 14 month old on that floor during our stay. Same sitation, same story, same burns. The mama had eight kids. Multitasking and before she knew it she was at the Burn Center, as well. She was discharged within a few days, yet when she came back for her outpatient visit, she came to visit us, too. We had become friends.

Josie is a people magnet. We talked to people of all walks of life. There were many that loved us there-- loved her there-- and many I still think about and pray for there to "receive the love of God and sufficient grace for help in their time of need."

Any contributions to this fund will be used to apply towards our 10% co-share with Samaritan Ministries. The University of Utah has graciously discounted more than half of our total bill. Samaritan Ministries is reviewing our case, with the intention to pay 90% of the remaining bills. However, because still, the overall amount of our stay and also Emergency Room and transportation needs is so high-- we are staring at close to $13,500 out of pocket for this need.

Please consider how God would move you, too, to be an extension of His help in this "time of need."

Thank you, all!