In March 2024, Brent, my sister Christina’s husband, went through a life-changing illness that required weeks in the hospital, major heart surgery, months of limited income due to disability pay and time away from work, and mounting bills.

After a simple outpatient hemorrhoidectomy in February, Brent developed Endocarditis (a bacterial infection that damaged one of his heart valves), which led to a stroke, IV antibiotics for many weeks, open-heart surgery to replace the damaged valve with a mechanical valve, and an additional procedure to place a permanent pacemaker that he is now dependent on.

Prior to these events, Brent was a healthy, active person. He is a friend to anyone he meets. He would give you the shirt off his back. Most nights of the week, you will find him working on a car in his garage, helping family or friends with repairs. People are drawn to his fun-loving personality.

It has been nearly a year since all of this happened. Thankfully, Brent is back home and also back to work. But this has all left him forever changed physically, and currently, Brent & Christina are in a financial hardship due to medical bills and time away from work. I am hoping this fundraiser can help ease the burden of their financial stress.