Steffes Family Fund

Hi guys. This is going to be a long story so bear with me. To put it frankly, we're struggling. I'm sucking up any pride I have left and I'm asking for help for our family.

My husband, Mitch, is a 20 year retired Army veteran. He served his country with pride, but to the detriment of his body. He is now in liver failure and kidney failure. We're working through the process of getting him on the transplant list, which is long and stressful. He has almost died multiple times this year and I've had to rush him to the hospital countless times. Twice a week (at least) we're at the hospital for a procedure called a paracentesis, where they drain tons of excess fluid from his abdominal cavity that accumulates very quickly because of his damaged liver. He currently gets disability pay through the VA, but they have only classed him as 92% disabled which lowers the amount that he gets quite a bit. We're attempting to get him at 100%.

Because of all of this (and also due to my own autoimmune health problems), I have been unable to work since last October 2020. That lowered our monthly income by a good $1,400. Bills have been piling up. I've been running our household as well as I could, but I've had to juggle bills every month, just treading water. Everything is coming to a head right now though. Our water and electricity have been shut off multiple times, and today our car was repossessed. And Mitch's medical bills are building up as well.

My in-laws have been amazing, as well as my parents, and have helped as much as they're able to. I am going to start selling my plasma multiple times a week to try to supplement income. But a full-time job is out of the question for me at the moment, unfortunately. My training and job experience is as a chef, and as everyone knows the hours are erratic (sometimes 16 hours a day), and the toll on my body is immense. Its impossible for me to be gone from Mitch that long since he needs a caretaker. Especially once we are actually able to get him a transplant.

I've also thought about moving into a home with a smaller rent payment as our current house is over $1,400 a month. However there are reasons we picked this house as it's in a peaceful area and it's large enough to accommodate my husband, who is 6'6" tall and quite a large man.

We have two teenagers who deserve so much better than struggling like this. I'm doing everything I can to try to ensure that they're getting the attention and care that they need. But it's so hard. I adore both of them and I want them to have a stable and secure life. We're planning on homeschooling them this year to accommodate our very strange schedule that is unfortunately necessary right now. I also have them in counseling so they have someone to help them through this. I do get child support from their dad, which is very much appreciate. And he spends time with them on the weekends. He's doing what he can as well.

I don't really know how to end this. Just to say that I don't want anyone to feel pressured to give. I appreciate everything my friends and family have done, even if it's just a hug or a kind word. That means the world to me. But having a car right now is crucial for us so that I can get Mitch to and from the hospital, which is a 40 minute drive from our house. If you made it this far, just know that I love you, and when I'm able I will absolutely pay it forward.