Please help our family through this tragedy

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE LATEST UPDATE (7/29/25)

As you scroll down, you’ll notice I’ve included the reasons we need help financially right now. My dad however is helping with quite a bit as far as getting our windshield repaired on our vehicle and getting my license renewed because it has expired and I have to retake my drivers test. So the list will be edited!!

Update on Justin 6/25/2025 Last night we went to see Justin, and he’s now been moved to the 3rd floor. After his recent setback, it feels like we’re back in the trenches—working our way through another wave of recovery. He’s trying hard to bounce back again: becoming verbal, reconnecting with reality, and regaining his awareness. When I got there last night, he seemed confused about why he was even in the hospital. It broke my heart—he just kept saying how much he missed me and, of course, the kids. I’m doing everything I can to be with him as much as possible. Right now, I’m also in the middle of trying to get my Power of Attorney reinstated on his DPOA paperwork. I was told by someone from the hospital (Amanda, from Mercy’s ethics department) that she removed me—because I wanted to fight for his life instead of bringing him home on hospice. And what are we doing now? Fighting. For his life. For our family. For his recovery. I’ve already spoken with two different attorneys. This situation doesn’t feel legal, doesn’t feel right, and I’m not backing down. Justin deserves someone who will advocate for him and make sure every decision reflects his will and the love of the people who truly know him. Thank you all for your continued prayers, donations, and love. It means everything right now.

June 13th Update: 

MARKED OUR 1️⃣ MONTH 

Since Justin’s Tragic Attempt , to a Story of Survival and Strength. 

“On May 13th, my husband Justin attempted suicide. He had dealt with mild depression off and on over the years, but slowly worsened by chronic health issues. And it was odd because it was like 90% of the time he was genuinely balanced and happy and when it would hit, it was sudden and severe. Hes always smiling, always making people laugh. We would try to put the kiddos to bed at night and sneak back out to play our guitars and piano out in the shed… and just get our time together. Oh, we’d sit there and make each other laugh so hard. Or other conversations would leave us both with happy tears and hugs and snuggles. My point is, No one saw this coming.” 

The damage to his brain was so severe that doctors didn’t believe he would make it through the night. He was placed on a ventilator, and for over two weeks we were told to prepare for the worst. On June 2nd, after deep conversations and heartbreaking decisions, we removed him from life support under comfort care. 

But God and Justin had other plans! 

Not only did he breathe on his own, but within hours, he began showing signs of responsiveness — a miracle none of us expected. 

Since then, his fight to recover has only grown stronger. Here’s what’s happened in just the last few days: 

 • He passed a swallow test and now eats three meals a day — with help of course.. but with thickened liquids and soft, minced foods. 

 • He’s off IV fluids for the most part(that they had FINALLY GIVEN HIM ALMOST A WEEEK AFTER SURVIVING) but now staying hydrated independently. 

 • Physical therapy has begun, and Justin was able to sit up, support himself, and follow commands — and now…

• HE STOOD UP ON HIS OWN TWO FEET YESTERDAY 6/13 (no big deal ) my dad was there and did some strength tests with him and his arms and said he’s not missing any strength there either!! 

• He’s been smiling, crying, nodding yes/no, and even starting to converse and joke with nurses. He had told one of the nurses yesterday all about our kiddos and their names etc.. and she was telling me about all of it when we got there to visit!! She was super excited because she’s been there since he first got up to the 7th floor.

(The key is he just has to be told commands and instructions on what and how to do diff things) 

‼️URGENT UPDATE ‼️6/13/25 ‼️

He has either aspirated or had a pulmonary embolism and is now back on a ventilator and back on the 4th floor Neuro ICU! 

I am in complete shock again and cannot sleep, cannot eat this time. I’m just nervously cleaning, writing this update and calling every hour and a half or so. I will be meeting with a Dr around 8 or 9 am this morning. 

PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR THIS TO BE SOMETHING QUICK TO RECOVER FROM ❤️‍❣️ 

And I will update everybody ASAP TODAY

There’s obviously still a long road ahead. He’s healing from a brain injury that most people don’t survive. But he’s here — alive, aware, and fighting. That alone, we’re incredibly grateful for. While we wait and hope for recovery, life around us has gotten incredibly hard. I’ve had to stop working to be at the hospital with him almost every day, with our three kids—including our baby girl Eva—right by my side. I try to keep a routine and balance for our children and it’s so hard right now. I just do the best I can and can’t forget about myself either, we all know that would be catastrophic. 

• OUR 3 CREDIT CARDS ARE MAXED OUT .. and it’s scaring the crap out of me because credit is everything and we JUST got signed up for these three about two months ago!! I’d literally never had a credit card in my name and need to keep up on these payments! We want to be able to buy our own home next year!! 

( EACH PAYMENT IS AT $60 min so x 3)

• Our SUV needs repairs just to stay on the road: 

• one of my highest priorities is to schedule and go take my GED test or HISET and be able to start medical school ASAP! It’s something I’ve realized while Justin’s been in the hospital, that my calling is def in the medical field. I’ve never felt so sure about my career choice before and I cannot wait to build a financially stable future… but right now, I’m just trying to get through this each passing day. If you can help—even just by sharing—please check out our GoFundMe. Every bit makes a difference. And please, check in on your loved ones. You never know what someone is silently battling.

YOUR DONATIONS — no matter how small — are helping us survive this season. You’re not just supporting Justin’s care, you’re keeping our family together through the hardest time of our lives. If you feel moved, please continue sharing our story. Pray for Justin’s healing. And know that we are forever grateful for the love and compassion you’ve shown. 

WEVE ALREADY BEEN ABLE TO PAY TWO OF OUR CREDIT CARD BILLS, FILL OUR TANK ALL THE WAY FULL WITH GAS, PAY THREE MONTHS OF TRASH BILL, and not to mention all the household necessities that add up so freakin quick!! Paper towel, toilet paper, batteries, hygiene products, diapers, wipes…. All the things

The list goes on and on. And we live by a strict budget!! 

If you’ve ever been impacted by mental health, or loved someone who has struggled, please consider donating or sharing. $5, $50—every bit helps.

Every share helps. Justin is still here. We’re still here. And we need you. 

With love and deep gratitude, Mikayla, Justin, Landon, Konner & Eva