Steve and Rachel's Fearless Fight
Donation protected
Hi All! Thanks for reading up on our parents. We've had many family friends ask about Steve and Rachel in recent weeks.
On September 11th, our Dad suffered an optic stroke and had to spend several days in the hospital. This caused permanent vision loss and he was ordered by his Doctor to reduce his work schedule to 4 hours per day.
Our parents adjusted to their new normal- Rachel continued to work full time while supporting Steve's recovery until late September. At that point, Rachel started experiencing health concerns of her own. By late October, after a month of illness and no clear diagnosis, our Mom was admitted to the hospital to stabilize her and run additional tests. We were optimistic based on initial reports but in her most recent appointment, her Hematologist gave more details about what she is facing.
What we now know: Rachel has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome- a plasma cancer that progresses to leukemia in about 30% of patients. She has been referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for further testing and treatment, which may include blood transfusions, chemo and other therapeutics. To quote her hematologist: "Rachel has a fight on her hands."
Rachel has been forced to take a leave of absence while she gets the treatment she needs, and Steve is only able to work four hours per day as he focuses on his own recovery and caring for Rachel. Because of this, they have lost 75% of their household income and they have also incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses from back to back hospital stays. They are both hoping to return to work full time as soon as they're able, but we have uncertainty around their earning capability until their health improves.
Our parents have been in ministry for over 40 years and we've had many family friends ask how they can help. Bethany and I want to give an opportunity for anyone who would like to contribute to their relief to do so. We estimate that they will need around $20,000 to cover medical expenses, travel expenses to Houston, and to offset lost income during their joint recovery. Here's how you can help:
- If you are able to contribute any amount, large or small, it is greatly appreciated!
- If you aren't able to contribute, please consider sharing with your network and helping us get the word out to people who may know our parents
- Lastly, please pray for Steve and Rachel
Any contributions made to their fund will be given directly to Steve and Rachel.
Through it all, our parents remain strong in their faith and we believe God is working things out for their good, including restoring their health!
On September 11th, our Dad suffered an optic stroke and had to spend several days in the hospital. This caused permanent vision loss and he was ordered by his Doctor to reduce his work schedule to 4 hours per day.
Our parents adjusted to their new normal- Rachel continued to work full time while supporting Steve's recovery until late September. At that point, Rachel started experiencing health concerns of her own. By late October, after a month of illness and no clear diagnosis, our Mom was admitted to the hospital to stabilize her and run additional tests. We were optimistic based on initial reports but in her most recent appointment, her Hematologist gave more details about what she is facing.
What we now know: Rachel has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome- a plasma cancer that progresses to leukemia in about 30% of patients. She has been referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for further testing and treatment, which may include blood transfusions, chemo and other therapeutics. To quote her hematologist: "Rachel has a fight on her hands."
Rachel has been forced to take a leave of absence while she gets the treatment she needs, and Steve is only able to work four hours per day as he focuses on his own recovery and caring for Rachel. Because of this, they have lost 75% of their household income and they have also incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses from back to back hospital stays. They are both hoping to return to work full time as soon as they're able, but we have uncertainty around their earning capability until their health improves.
Our parents have been in ministry for over 40 years and we've had many family friends ask how they can help. Bethany and I want to give an opportunity for anyone who would like to contribute to their relief to do so. We estimate that they will need around $20,000 to cover medical expenses, travel expenses to Houston, and to offset lost income during their joint recovery. Here's how you can help:
- If you are able to contribute any amount, large or small, it is greatly appreciated!
- If you aren't able to contribute, please consider sharing with your network and helping us get the word out to people who may know our parents
- Lastly, please pray for Steve and Rachel
Any contributions made to their fund will be given directly to Steve and Rachel.
Through it all, our parents remain strong in their faith and we believe God is working things out for their good, including restoring their health!
Fundraising team (2)
Crystal Young Valentine
Organizer
Raised $9,045 from 58 donations
Hutto, TX
Stephen Wesley Young
Beneficiary
Bethany Eppinger
Team member
Raised $6,025 from 35 donations
This team raised $22,325 from 141 other donations.
