At the end of February, our world was turned upside down when my stepdad, Kurt Proud, became critically ill. What started as undiagnosed diverticulitis quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency. Kurt was life flighted to Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where doctors discovered his bowel had ruptured, leaking infection throughout his abdomen. He underwent emergency surgery to save his life.

While the surgery was successful, there were complications. He developed abscesses in his abdomen. Multiple wound fistulas also developed, preventing his surgical incision from healing properly. For weeks, Kurt remained hospitalized with his incision left open and managed by a wound care team. After over a month in the hospital, he was transferred to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, where he stayed until April 18th.

Kurt was finally able to come home, but his battle is far from over. He still has an open wound requiring specialized care and he cannot eat by mouth. He receives all his nutrition through TPN (total parenteral nutrition) via a chest port. His daily life now depends on intensive home care from my mom, Michelle, my sister Taryn and home health nurses.

Last week, Kurt suffered another major setback. He collapsed at home and had to be life flighted once again—this time to Lincoln. Doctors discovered a large pulmonary embolism (blood clot in his lungs) and multiple clots in his legs. He is also battling unstable blood sugar levels. At this time, it’s unclear when Kurt will be strong enough to come home. He may need to spend time in a swing bed facility before returning to home care.

This medical crisis has deeply affected our family. Kurt and Michelle are now living on a single income, and my mom and our family have spent the last three months traveling frequently between Bartley, Omaha, and Lincoln to be by Kurt’s side and support his care. Even when Kurt returns home, he will need ongoing follow-up visits with his care team and additional surgeries to repair his wound fistulas.

We’re asking for your help to ease the financial burden. Funds raised will go toward:

• Medical bills and supplies not covered by insurance

• Travel expenses (hotels, food, gas) for appointments and trips back and forth from home to the hospital

• Essential living costs while the family is down to one income

Any donation, no matter the size, will be helpful. Prayers for recovery and peace are also deeply appreciated. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.