Stand with Corey and Melinda in Their Time of Need

Corey and Melinda. ❤️‍

I knew them long before they adopted their children. They have brought so much joy into our lives. They have not changed from day one.

In all of the years I have known them, they have been such a strong pillar of hope and love for my family, and for so many others. (So, so many others.) When Logan, and then Ruby, came along, Corey and Melinda never slowed. Their hearts only grew for others, and never did they turn anyone away. Never have I met a couple who was so willing to just stop everything and help out where the need is great.

I write this because now THEIR need is great. 

In January, the family was forced out of their home as their landlord sold their house out from underneath them. They were devastated. This family was made HOMELESS for nearly nine months, moving from one home to a second before finding a home of their own to purchase. 

There were many trials and tribulations from the get-go. Vehicles down. Sickness from every member of their family. Their business was shut completely down due to the inability to access their laser. Moving is also very expensive.

All of this caused much stress on their family, and it did not bypass the children by any means. Logan and Ruby have felt it most of all, and it's been hard for them to comprehend this year's hardship altogether. These two little balls of energy and light and love just want their world back to normal. We NEED them to be.

Two weeks ago, Corey began having some pains in his chest that he dismissed as anxiety, having known what this is like. It did get better, so everyone assumed all was well. A few days later, the pain came back. This time it radiated through his shoulder, into his neck, and a bit into his upper back. Off to the ER they went.

Their local hospital ran some tests, said he had a 5.7 cm aneurysm. Transfer went in right away, and the shuttle arrived to transport him to Riverside in Columbus. They were in Columbus for three days when the doctor arrived and said he was not comfortable with doing the surgery. The second transfer arrived. Off to The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati they went. Many more tests ensued, and more bad news was found.

Corey has a 5.7 cm aneurysm, a completely blocked LAD artery, and his aortic valve is not functioning properly. Part of his heart is dead. It's not much, but it's still there. He also has had a previous heart attack (widow maker) and was unaware. He is only 53 years old.

This is a very scary, extensive and time consuming surgery, as there are many things that need to be corrected.

Corey will have been out of work for over three weeks before and after the surgery, and then at least another two months at home for recovery. That's THREE MONTHS (at best) without income for an already struggling family.

THEY NEED OUR HELP NOW.

We need to stand up and help this family as they have done for all of US. Even in all of this, they have been reaching out, checking on others, praying for and with others, giving advice and love to so many who lean on them. They have never failed and their faith has never waivered. 

It speaks volumes. 

This family is near and dear to the hearts of all of us. Please help us to be there for them in all ways.