Join Us in Supporting John Terpenning

John Terpenning and the Terpenning family need help. They're a proud family and never ask for much, and they are always there for everyone when needed.

In the early 1980s, John was diagnosed with sarcoidosis of the lungs. He then developed Aspergillus fungus in his scars on his lungs from the sarcoid. One of the scars filled up like a mushroom from the fungus and it ruptured, sending him into emergency surgery where they removed half of his left lung. Eventually, with a ton of prednisone and time, the sarcoid in his lungs went into remission. However, it also affected his heart and shrunk his brain, causing early stages of dementia and a heart condition.

Over the years, he's been through hell, quite literally, with multiple surgeries on his lungs, heart, multiple heart attacks, and many other complications.

The continued steroid (prednisone) use has also deteriorated his muscles and bones. His bones, including his hips and spinal column, are like chalk. They fracture easily and also move freely instead of staying in place as a normal person's would. Because of this, his spinal cord is being pinched off in multiple places, causing loss of bodily functions, fluid build-up on the spinal cord, and also causing his back and hips to randomly "pop out" of place at any given moment from the slightest of movement.

And now John faces spinal cord surgery tomorrow, Jan 29. It's high risk for him due to his health conditions and there are no guarantees it will work or how he will come out of it.

Funds are needed to cover what insurance will not fully help with, including in-home healthcare, some medications, and physical therapy among other surgical and post-surgical costs, equipment, and accommodations including special transportation to and from doctor appointments and home from the hospital. In addition, funds will be used to assist the family during this time for basic living expenses.

Ken is the primary caregiver of his household. He takes care of both his mother and his brother. If you have ever been a caregiver, you know this isn't easy. It makes working quite a challenge, but he still manages to juggle it all. If you know Ken, you know he's the first to give to anyone in need. It's our turn to help him and his family.

Any and all help is deeply appreciated during this difficult time. Thank you and God bless!