In September 2024, Kathie & Brian Dering contracted a particularly nasty COVID-19 infection. After being sick for several weeks, it was found that Kathie had developed a life-threatening blood clot in her leg. On Thursday, September 26, she was flown by emergency helicopter to Loyola hospital and had surgery to amputate her right leg. After a total of three surgeries, she was released to a rehab facility and will be spending many weeks in therapy, with the goal of getting her back home to the treasured 100-year-old bungalow that she and Brian call home.

Of course, all of this has come at a steep price, both emotionally and financially. Brian is working on renovating the house to make it accessible for Kathie. And the hospital bills have started to come in. Once home, we anticipate that Kathie will need in-home caregivers while Brian is at work, so we are planning for that expense as well.

Please help the Dering’s overcome this devastating event so they can carry on their story for years to come.

CURRENT EXPENSES

Emergency Helicopter Transport: $48,000

Ambulances: $8,000

Hospital Bills: Thousands

Rehab & home healthcare: Hundreds of dollars an hour

Home renovations: $8,000

Ramp construction: $9,000

A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE DERING'S

Kathie & Brian have called Merrillville, Indiana their home for over 50 years and have been an inseparable couple for 40 years. They share a passion for music and the arts, and for actively helping to make their beloved hometown the best place in which to share their "quiet little life." If you're local and don't know Kathie & Brian personally, you probably know their house on Madison Street – they go all out decorating for Halloween and Christmas every year and are delighted to share the joy of the holiday seasons with their neighbors.

Brian first met "his beloved Kathie" in the early 80’s. Their paths crossed when Kathie was working as the office manager and proof reader for Night Rock News while also serving as the production coordinator for its sister record company.

Brian's connections to The Region's music scene run deep. You may recognize him from his jobs at several local music stores over the years. He is also a sound engineer who has worked with scores of area musicians in Northwest Indiana & Northeastern Illinois – most notably with Master Sitarist Patric Marks of Chicago. He has had the pleasure of serving the Indian community throughout The Region since the late 80's.

Brian finds great satisfaction in volunteering his time to support his community. Whether it's at events honoring veterans & first responders, community festivals, cancer awareness events, 4th of July, National Night Out, fundraisers, or working with various church and temple groups (including the World Parliament of Religions), he loves to give back to those who do good for others.

For almost 20 years, Brian has been a Volunteer Member of the Merrillville Plan Commission – working to ensure that the residents are protected and always come first when considering development. Nature preservation and Tree City designation are special concerns of the Dering’s.

Throughout the years, Kathie has provided unwavering support & encouragement for Brian’s volunteerism, and has helped in the background with arrangements and logistics.

Most recently, Kathie has held bookkeeping positions with various local businesses over the years including Burlington Coat Factory. Brian is in his 33rd year as a NIPSCO employee – his current position is Union emergency dispatcher (USW 12775).