Help Ease Tara’s Burden of Medical Expenses

Many of you know my sister, Tara, and the way she pours into everyone around her — caring for kids, pets, homes, and friends without hesitation. Recently she faced a serious health challenge and spent time in the ICU. By God’s grace she is recovering, but she now faces heavy, unexpected medical bills.

If you’re able, please consider helping Tara during this season. Your prayers, love, and gifts mean more than words can say. Every bit truly makes a difference

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Her Story

This all began on Sunday, August 31st, while our family gathered at a reunion in Kentucky. The next day, we headed to the Ark Encounter, and Tara tried her best to participate — but most of her time was spent resting on benches and sleeping every chance she got. At mealtimes she slept through entire meals, and even at the playground with her grandson Carson, she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

By the time we picked up the dogs from the boarder and settled into our next stop, it was clear something was very wrong. Tara even asked if she should go to urgent care — and if you know her, you know how serious it must have been for her to ask (she hates hospitals). At urgent care she was diagnosed with pharyngitis, given a steroid shot, and prescribed antibiotics (though we couldn’t get them filled right away while traveling).

On Tuesday, September 2nd, we began the long drive back to Minnesota. Tara was in so much pain that I drove the entire way. When we finally arrived home late that night, she went upstairs to rest — but her pain only worsened. By midnight, after hours of trying to get comfortable, she finally called 911.

The ambulance brought her to the ER, where she was admitted to the ICU on Wednesday, September 3rd. She was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia so severe that her ENT said he’d never seen anything like it in 17 years of practice. She remained in the ICU until September 4th, when she was moved to a regular room.

Her current diagnosis is pleural effusion, a dangerous buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest. She underwent a painful drain procedure to remove the fluid and continues to fight infection with strong antibiotics. While her pain is being managed and she is slowly regaining strength, her recovery is far from over.

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Thank You

Thank you so much for your support — through your calls, texts, emails, visits, prayers, and financial gifts. Your kindness means the world to Tara, to me, and to our entire family. We are humbled and deeply grateful for the way you’ve surrounded her with love during this time.