Medical Help for Kendall Yoes Stevens

Our sweet Kendall is now in the arms of Jesus. She fought a hard fight and her body just couldn’t take it any more.  We are all heart broken. Many prayers needed for strength and guidance for her and our families as we navigate how to cope with our sister, daughter, wife and friend way too soon. Seeing as Kendall was only 28 years old and in fairly good health until these issues arose, she did not have life insurance. If you are at inclined to contribute financially any amount will help cover her services and transportation to bring her home. (Mark also has zelle if you want to avoid fees) We thank you all tremendously for all the prayers and thoughts sent our way over the last 3 months.

Today marks 15 days that Kendall has been in ICU. She will be going into the Operating Room again today to wash out the areas and put a tighter mesh to close her stomach as much as possible. Praying that she can come through with flying colors, her levels ALL start trending in the right direction, that her body continues to heal and that she can come out of heavy sedation as calmly as possible with the ability to follow commands. I just KNOW the PRAYERS have been and continue to be heard, so I am begging you to continue. Thank you ALL for the love and support you are showing. 

Kendall is in ICU. Acute Liver Failure. PRAYERS NEEDED DESPERATELY PLEASE.

As many of you already know, Kendall was diagnosed with Achalasia (a very rare autoimmune disease of the esophagus) a year ago. She had many doctor visits, tests and a POEM surgery to cut the muscle of the esophagus so she could swallow. This surgery was successful for a few months, but she started having trouble again a few months ago and was going to visit the Dr. again after her December wedding. In the past year, she has lost 100 pounds due to not being able to eat properly due to Achalasia. In October, she woke one morning and both of her legs felt numb. Over the next 3 days, the numbness spread up above her chest and she started feeling wobbly and fell down the stairs of her home. The next 2 weeks got worse -- she had 2 visits to the ER and they conducted tests including MRI, scans and blood work -- only to be told nothing was wrong -- all the tests looked fine and to see a Neurologist. She called her PCP (Primary Care Physician) to make an appointment to get a referral to see a Neurologist. They could not see her for 3 weeks. She was getting worse and worse - began using a walker then had to rent a wheelchair because her legs would not work anymore. Long story short -- she got an emergency visit to the PCP and they were alarmed by her condition and set up an appt. with another Dr. to do nerve studies. She had no reflexes in her feet or knees. She was then given an appointment with a Neurologist on Jan. 4, 2022. She could not make it -- She somehow got through her wedding on Dec. 17th (thanks to a wheelchair and MANY wonderful friends and family members who helped with everything). On Wednesday, Dec. 22nd, her husband, Mark took her to the ER again per the Dr.'s recommendation. She was admitted. After many tests, including a Spinal Tap, they have diagnosed her with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy) which is a rare type of autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the myelin sheaths (these are the fatty coverings on the fibers that insulate and protect the nerves). CIDP is considered a chronic, or long-term, disease. Kendall received 4 treatments of IVIG infusion in the hospital and was released on Sunday, December 26th. She is in a lot of pain. Her legs are numb, she has electrical zaps in her feet and legs, her feet feel like they are on fire and she still cannot walk without the help of a walker and then, only a short distance. This will be a long, long road -- but she is a FIGHTER. Kendall and Mark are newlyweds, starting their life together with not one, but two awful autoimmune diseases to deal with. They are in it together and I have never seen a love as strong as theirs. With this being said, their medical debt is enormous and will continue for awhile. With assistance from this Go Fund Me Account, Kendall can receive the recommended medical care and help with assistance devices she will need to accommodate her (hospital bed for downstairs as she cannot get upstairs to their bedroom), etc. If you would like to learn more about CIDP, please visit https://www.gbs-cidp.org If you would like to learn more about Achalasia, please visit https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/achalasia/

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.