Medical Bills for the Kapengas

We have two amazing friends who have endured an unimaginable heartache together. At 39 weeks pregnant with their first child, they suffered a rare medical complication on May 9 that resulted in the stillbirth of their beautiful angel baby girl and left her mother’s life in danger as well. After spending a harrowing two days in the ICU, we are so grateful to have our dear friend Alicia Kapenga (who is stronger than any of us ever knew) with us today. Alicia and Dan’s perfect daughter, Ellery Lauren Kapenga, was never able to draw breath on this earth, but she will live on forever in all of our hearts. We are thankful to serve a God who gives us the assurance that we will meet her in Heaven someday. She has changed our lives and taught us to value friends and family, and to not take a single day for granted. We want to help them with their medical bills in an effort to reduce the financial burden they will face. This way we hope to help support them as they create their new normal.  


All funds received will be used to assist with medical expenses, memorial costs and other needs that may arise in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.  The fundraising goal of $30,000 is an estimate based on the current information we have available (which is limited at this time). Further understanding of final costs and medical needs will be finalized in the coming weeks but based on the scope of medical procedures performed and length of stay in the hospital, it is not unreasonable to think that total expense (not covered by insurance) could easily exceed the goal that has been set.  Of course, if upon payment of all medical bills the contributions exceed the costs, then all remaining funds will be passed on to a charity that supports individuals experiencing a similar situation. Especially with Mother’s Day so fresh in our minds, we remember the importance of family and caring for those we love.