Help the Helmers: Trials & Tiny Miracles Together!

Kristen experienced a traumatic fall while seven months pregnant in October. She sprained one ankle and broke the other ankle so badly that they needed to perform surgery despite her being pregnant. Sadly, she has experienced numerous complications since surgery and has not been able to walk since the fall. She is currently under the care of a new foot and ankle specialist who is performing numerous diagnostic tests (MRI, nerve conduction study, and electromyography) to determine the extent of nerve damage and to check to see if there is entrapment of a tendon in her ankle. In addition to physical therapy, her treatment may also require more surgeries depending on what her new doctor concludes from all the testing.

We are raising money for Daniel to be able to stay with Kristen and their baby as she receives vital medical care to regain the ability to walk before returning home as well as for costs associated with their medical care.

Daniel and Kristen's first baby is due today December 23, 2023. Baby can come any day now and Kristen is enduring an urgent medical situation with her ankles. They are entering a new season of difficult and sleepless nights with a baby after already spending almost three months of severe sleep deprivation and pain due to her traumatic injuries.

After delivery, they will need to continue their extended stay away from their home in Eagle, AK, for her recovery in order to get the proper testing and physical therapy needed. They will also need provision for caring for their sweet baby. One of Kristen's sisters is traveling up to help for the first week after the birth of their baby, but there is a big need for financial provision. Daniel's paid time off is running out and he will need to take unpaid leave from work at the beginning of the new year in order for them to stay together as a new family of three. At that point, they will lose their insurance unless they pay the expensive cost to continue it during the time he is taking unpaid leave.

If he doesn’t take unpaid leave and goes back to work, then they will be separated very soon after the birth of their first child at a time when more support is needed with all that is going on. Someone would need to take his place to support Kristen and their baby as she would not be able to be left alone since she can’t walk. And they can’t be separated for long, so hopefully we will raise enough to keep this family together for the best outcome and support for all involved.

Daniel has been right by her side through all of this and we would love to bless Daniel and Kristen by helping to support them financially during the time it will take for Kristen to walk again. Ideally, we will raise enough to allow Daniel to take unpaid leave and stay by Kristen’s side to support her through her recovery. Funds raised will go toward this endeavor as well as toward costs associated with their medical care, which includes things like the actual medical bills, insurance costs, lodging away from home, and caregiving help, which may include travel costs for Kristen’s family to go fulfill that need.

At a time in their lives that should be marked with so much joy as they welcome their first child, it has been an extremely hard few months for them and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get much easier for quite some time. However hard this situation seems as you read all of this, I can assure you it has been way harder. We would never be able to accurately convey all that has happened, the trauma Kristen has experienced, the implications of it all, and how hard it will continue to be. But hopefully there is enough here to show how great a need they have. They need prayer and for people to be the hands and feet of Jesus now more than ever. Please help in any way you are able through prayer, forwarding the fundraiser, and giving. We are always stronger together!

Thank you for your prayer and support for this beautiful couple and their little newborn baby arriving any day now!