Just a few months ago, our family’s life looked completely different. Now we are facing two serious medical battles at the same time, and we are asking for help as we try to get through one of the hardest times our family has ever faced.

My husband, Sam, recently underwent triple bypass surgery. What was supposed to be a much simpler procedure quickly became far more serious. Originally, he went to the hospital expecting to receive a stent, but doctors soon discovered that he was not a candidate. Further testing revealed three massive blockages in his heart, and he was told he would need open heart surgery. Hearing that news was terrifying for our family, but we were thankful the problem was discovered in time.

The surgery itself was successful, but Sam now faces a long and difficult recovery. His doctors have told us he will be unable to work for 3–6 months while he heals. Unfortunately, the road has already been more complicated than we hoped. After spending several days in the hospital, on his very first day back home we had to call 911 because he went into atrial fibrillation (AFib). It was a frightening moment and a reminder that his recovery may have more challenges than we thought.

During this time, our medical expenses continue to grow. One of his medications alone costs $700, and the hospital and follow up bills continue to arrive. Sam is doing everything he can to regain his strength and recover, but right now his focus has to be on healing.

At the same time, our daughter Alexis has been very sick since November. Just before all of this, she was stepping into a new chapter of her life after finishing college. She was full of hope, energy, and excitement about starting her future. Over the past several months, we have watched that energy slowly fade as she’s become sicker and weaker. It has been heartbreaking as parents to watch the life slowly drain from someone who was just beginning to step into the next stage of her life.

We have seen multiple doctors and made several trips to the emergency room trying to find answers. Despite everything we have done so far, we still do not have a diagnosis. Right now we have more medical bills than answers, and we are still searching for a diagnosis.

Our next step is to take Alexis for more specialized testing in hopes that we can finally understand what is happening and find a path toward treatment and healing.

As a family, we are doing everything we can to stay strong through all of this. I am caring for both Sam during his recovery and Alexis while we continue searching for answers. However, the financial burden from medical bills, medications, specialized testing, and the sudden loss of income is becoming more than we can manage on our own.

We are asking for help so that we can focus on what matters most right now—Sam’s recovery and finding answers for Alexis.

Funds raised will go directly toward the many expenses our family is facing during this time, including medical bills from Sam’s surgery and hospital stay, follow up appointments and cardiac care, medications, and ongoing treatment. They will also help cover the cost of Alexis’s specialized medical testing, doctor visits, and continued efforts to find a diagnosis. In addition, donations will help with everyday living expenses while Sam is unable to work, such as groceries, utilities, insurance costs, and other basic household needs.

Any support would mean the world to our family. Even a small donation or simply sharing our story can make a meaningful difference for us during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers as we walk through this incredibly difficult time.