Fix mold-ridden home, restore health for family

You know that feeling when you’ve had a bad day, in the middle of a bad week, and it feels like the hits just keep on coming—as though the fog of bad news won’t lift?

Well, that’s how Allen and Janelle Webster have felt…for years. Whether you’re new to their story or have been in it since Janelle’s first seizure seven years ago, we invite you into this leg of their journey.

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As many of you know, the Webster family is no stranger to health issues. But after their vibrant and athletic son Josiah became sick with severe asthma attacks and bouts of pneumonia resulting in multiple hospitalizations…Allen and Janelle knew something else had to be going on.

If you’re new here (so glad you're here!), Janelle has a complicated brain injury and a rare seizure disorder. Josiah has spent the last four+ years managing lung issues, and Janelle has spent the last 7+ years in and out of hospitals, managing severe limitations that keep her house-bound, and overwhelming medical bills. It’s been…a lot. Check out a video of their story here !

After Josiah’s symptoms worsened this past year, Janelle and Allen decided to see if there was something else that caused his lungs and immune system to struggle so much. After meeting with multiple doctors, running tests and in-depth inspections (5 hrs long with a 210-page report!), they discovered that Josiah and the whole family have been living in toxic mold for the last 8 years. And yes, they believe this might be a source for Janelle’s seizures and subsequent disabilities that began 4 months after moving into this home.

They found mold behind their sons’ bedroom walls, mold in the walls of his bathroom, mold in the attic, mold in the crawl space…the list goes on. And the kicker? Their HVAC system had mold growing inside the unit and in the ducts…pumping black mold spores throughout their ENTIRE home.

They found their answer...their home was not only making Josiah sick, and damaging his lungs but it was KEEPING him sick.

Once these results came in, they immediately moved Janelle and their two sons out to a safer environment with family. They packed up 2 weeks worth of clothes and waited to figure out the next steps.

Where does that leave them now?

The good news is, Josiah’s health is significantly improving now that he’s not living in toxic mold. Praise God!

Second, it’s important to note that toxic mold is…complicated. Janelle has essentially received her Master’s in Mold care with all of her research, work with consultants, etc. Insurance doesn’t cover any of this, and a big part of the challenge is that they need to trash (and replace) a big chunk of their belongings: clothes, furniture, mattresses, stuffed animals, some appliances, etc. Given the severity of their health issues, they cannot take any hand-me-downs.

Basically, it feels like their house was on fire and all they have left was what they ran out with. It's awful.

They’ve exhausted every way around fixing this issue (including selling their home, which isn’t an option) so they can live happily and healthily.

Here’s what’s next:

Through the guidance of a mold consultant and extensive research, these are the next steps and projected costs.

The remediation alone is about $50k, not including a new HVAC, a rebuild after the remediation, etc. Right now, their bare minimum estimate for the total cost is between $120-150k.

By God’s grace, the Webster’s have been able to come up with about half of the finances needed. But the rest?

Well…that’s where we come in!

Aside from fixing the mold, purchasing a new HVAC, rebuilding their home, and helping purchase new bedding, couches and other items, here’s what your contribution can do:

The Webster’s story has already been heart-breaking. They have had obstacle after obstacle and despite that, they live to encourage and lift people up through their story and the supernatural joy that God has given them. They hold on to hope when everything feels dark.

Yes, this is about fixing a major mold issue and the fallout from this. But even more, this is about restoring health that has been a source of heartache and financial burden, bringing hope to their lives.

Let’s serve them with the same love and attention they’ve given to others in their day-to-day lives.

Let’s fix the mold and make their home safe so they can all be well.

To stay up to date, follow Allen and Janelle on Instagram

P.S. I'm Corrie Myers, a college friend of Janelle and Allen. On behalf of our close group of friends, THANK YOU for your support. xoxo