Mike and Stephanie Lutrell

Mike and Stephanie Luttrell have been on a significant medical journey for the past 5-7 years with chronic and debilitating illness and multiple major surgeries and "-ectomies" for Stephanie which have required multiple specialists and numerous and lengthy out-of-state trips. One can imagine the physical, mental, emotional, and financial burdens of these health needs and the necessary actions needed to address them. Several weeks ago I asked, and last week asked again - and they have given me permission to share their story. I asked Stephanie to summarize their story and you will find it below in her own words.  My heart is that they might be blessed in a practical way to help fill in some financial gaps.  

Stephanie's summary:
Seven years ago I was healthy, active, and in the best shape of my life. But chronic, mild health issues began to flare up to the point that surgery was required. I have had several rare health conditions that have led to multiple surgeries, most of which have been out of state. I have been operated on in 4 states besides Arkansas, including two Mayo Clinic locations. I lost my gallbladder 6 years ago, and my left kidney 2 years ago. Most recently I underwent a Total Pancreatectomy, having my pancreas, spleen, duodenum, and part of my stomach removed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston because pancreatitis was going to kill me if drastic measures were not taken. The many medical trips we’ve made, and the weeks, adding up to months, spent away have meant time off of work and extra expenses, My husband, a teacher, has been working two part- time jobs to provide for us. I have been unable to work full time for a few years, and cannot work at all right now. The recovery from total pancreatectomy is long and difficult, and we don’t know when I will be able to work again. My monthly medical costs run well into the thousands, and we face more medical travel in our future with follow up appointments and long-term care. Thankfully, I do have insurance, but we pay out of pocket for it due to Mike being a teacher. I am now a diabetic, the long-term costs we face are staggering. Many friends and family have helped along the way in countless ways, and prayer has gotten us through everything. We have been conflicted about this, but encouraged by prayerful friends to allow others to help us. We trust God through our journey, and believe it is time to humble ourselves and accept that assistance.