Help Zack and Laura Through Open-Heart Surgery Recovery

Help Zack and Laura Through Open-Heart Surgery Recovery

Dear friends and family,

We are reaching out on behalf of Zack Yoder and his wife Laura who are going through an incredibly challenging time. A few months after their marriage in May 2024, they found out that Zack is going to need open-heart surgery to repair or replace his aortic valve and repair an aneurysm on his ascending aorta. Although Zack has had a valve issue since birth, the disruption to blood flow up to now had been deemed minor with no surgery needed for the foreseeable future. However, the echocardiogram in July revealed that the disruption to blood flow in his heart is now severe, requiring valve repair or replacement, and an aneurysm has developed due to the valve problem that requires surgery right away. These necessary interventions require open-heart surgery, with the surgery scheduled for December 18th, 2024. Because this is major surgery, there is a longer hospital stay, and Zack will be unable to return to work for at least 3 months.

As Zack and Laura are facing the surgery on December 18th, they have been working through the many tests needed leading up to the surgery and preparing for the extensive recovery time afterward. This unexpected situation they are facing together in this first year of marriage has and will continue to put a strain on them, both emotionally and financially. The type of insurance they are on will still leave them with significant costs which will continue to add up as they work through Zack’s lengthy recovery.

This will be a strain given that their income will be compromised during the months without work. The funds raised through this GoFundMe will help cover the medical expenses from Zack’s surgery, physical therapy, expensive tests, and ongoing appointments for the season of his recovery, as well as support Zack and Laura by easing the burden of lost income while Zack is unable to work and is focusing on a full and healthy recovery.

Your contribution will make a huge difference in helping Zack recover and ensuring that this newly married couple has the financial support they need during this difficult journey. Please share this campaign to help spread the word.

We also ask that you pray for them as a couple, that God would heal Zack’s body fully, sustain Laura as she supports him in this, and guide both Laura and Zack as they navigate the lengthy road back to full strength.

Thank you,

Kim Poulsen (Laura’s sister)