Our Dad’s Fight for Life: A Family’s Plea for Help

Hello Again, as some of you may not know, I am Doug Behl's oldest daughter and Little Doug's oldest sister. I reach out today on behalf of not only myself but also our family to not just to ask for help, but to share a journey of resilience and love that embodies the very essence of family strength.

This past year has been incredibly challenging for our dad "Doug Behl". As many of you know, he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes in 2017. Through sheer determination and remarkable lifestyle changes, he has overcome diabetes, and his heart has thrived for years with the support of medication and a healthier way of living. However, in 2020, just before his birthday, our family faced a heart-wrenching moment when my youngest brother, who was only six at the time, was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Little Doug was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and a week later, he underwent surgery to have two mechanical pumps inserted to assist his heart. Imagine the turmoil of being the sole provider, yet our dad never wavered. He worked tirelessly, often at the crack of dawn, all while ensuring he was there for Doug and our family. That is the essence of our dad—selfless, dedicated, and unwavering in the face of adversity. In 2023, however, the relentless stress of balancing trips between Wisconsin and Texas to support Little Doug took its toll. His heart struggled under the weight of that worry. But once again, our dad rose to the occasion. With determination and commitment, he embraced new lifestyle changes, and through hard work and perseverance, he reclaimed his health.

However, as life often teaches us, challenges can arise unexpectedly. In February of this year, our dad faced another hurdle when he was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. Despite being in debilitating pain, he remained steadfast, determined to work through it without succumbing to his discomfort. Yet, life has a way of bringing even the strongest among us to our knees. The pain from the hernia became unbearable, to the point where even medication offered little relief. Ultimately, our dad had no choice but to sell his route and focus on healing. Throughout this time, Cami stood resolute in her commitment to help, tirelessly advocating for our dad’s needs. Unfortunately, despite her unwavering determination, many didn’t fully grasp the severity of his pain. Those who know our dad understand that he is not one to easily admit to discomfort, so for him to express his struggle was a clear indication of just how serious things had become. Compounding the challenge, his heart condition made surgeons hesitant to proceed with any surgical intervention, fearing the risks involved. But after countless phone calls and conversations, Cami persevered and finally found a compassionate surgeon willing to listen. They agreed to perform the surgery, but not before first addressing the excess fluid his body was retaining due to his heart’s low functionality.

On March 20th, after days of uncertainty, the doctors finally decided to move forward with surgery to address our dad’s hernia. However, due to his severely compromised heart, this surgery carried an extremely high risk. Our family gathered around him, knowing the gravity of the situation and bracing ourselves for what could have been the last time we spoke with him. The possibility of losing him was so real, and the weight of that reality was heavy on all of us.

At 2:00 PM, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, we finally received the news we’d been hoping for: the surgery was a success. We were filled with immense relief and gratitude, but the journey is far from over. As of today, our dad is recovering well from the surgery, which is truly a blessing, but there’s still a long road ahead.

Unfortunately, the news we received about his heart condition is incredibly sobering. The head of the heart team met with our dad and Cami to discuss the seriousness of his heart failure. After careful evaluation, they gave him a prognosis of only 6 months to 1 year left to live, given the state of his heart. The team is doing everything they can to stabilize him and get him home so he can recover from this surgery. Once he is stable, they will move forward with scheduling a full evaluation for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or a heart transplant on April 29th.

This is a time of uncertainty, and while we are thankful for the progress he's made, the reality is that the situation is incredibly urgent. Every day counts, and we're hoping and praying for more time with him.

As many of you know, Doug and Cami have always been the first ones to lend a helping hand to others, constantly radiating positivity and light in every situation. Their kindness has touched countless lives, and they’ve always been there to support others, no matter the circumstances. Our dad, too, has lived his life helping others selflessly, never expecting anything in return. He has been a source of strength and guidance for so many people throughout his life.

In these incredibly challenging times, Cami has been the epitome of unwavering strength. Throughout our dad's entire health journey, she has been by his side every step of the way, never once faltering in her love and support. She has faced this overwhelming situation with a kind of courage that is nothing short of remarkable. From advocating for the best care for our dad to being his emotional rock during the hardest moments, Cami has shown what it truly means to be there for someone unconditionally. She’s carried a weight that most couldn’t imagine, and her strength has been a guiding force for all of us.

But even the strongest among us need support, and right now, Cami is carrying a tremendous emotional and financial burden. With the mounting medical expenses and the tough decisions regarding dad’s care and life expectancy, we are humbly asking for your help to ease the load. If you’re able to donate, it would mean the world to Cami and our entire family. Your support, whether through a financial contribution or simply offering your thoughts and prayers, will bring some much-needed relief during this difficult time.

If a donation isn’t possible, we kindly ask for your continued love, encouragement, and prayers for Cami’s strength, our dad’s full recovery, and for all of us as we navigate this uncertain journey together. Your kindness and support will make a world of difference as we work through the days ahead.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and unwavering support.