Steve &Andi Koek(Pevitz) Expense Assistance Fund
Donation protected
What a love story! Best friends in high school, they met as members of the Niles West High School theater department. They worked closely together on many productions, and while Steve enjoyed the lights of the stage; Andi enjoyed working tech. High school friends will tell you that Steve always had a crush on Andi, although she didn’t know it! They did attend Steve's prom together - he always jokes about how he went to prom with a college girl. Life happened, they worked to stay in touch; however, ended up going their separate ways. Fast forward to September 9, 2016 – 39 years later – when Andi and Steve reconnected and got married!
But on Thursday morning, April 29th, the lives of Andi and Steve were forever changed. Steve experienced a heart attack that led to cardiac arrest. The Naperville Police and Fire Department responded quickly and the EMTs worked to keep Steve breathing until they got him to Edward Hospital. There, the ER staff was able to insert an airway, and get his heart rate somewhat stabilized, after experiencing a dangerously rapid heartbeat.
Today is Tuesday, May 4, and Steve remains in ICU unresponsive. He has developed pneumonia and influenza and is experiencing seizure activity. Steve’s current MRI shows mild brain injury. His neurologist said that Steve's recovery will include millions of baby steps over many, many months.
We know that Andi and Steve are blessed with an abundance of friends and family across the country. Steve’s work over the years with the Phoenix Suns, ABC7 Chicago, and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center reflect his caring and compassion for others. Many of you know Andi through School District 203, the Naperville Education Foundation, and her work at Naper Settlement. You know how very much Andi gives of herself to others. It is now our time to give back to Andi to help her out with the overwhelming medical expenses that she and Steve are facing.
If you are so moved as to donate to help us help Andi and Steve, it would be very much appreciated.
UPDATE
But on Thursday morning, April 29th, the lives of Andi and Steve were forever changed. Steve experienced a heart attack that led to cardiac arrest. The Naperville Police and Fire Department responded quickly and the EMTs worked to keep Steve breathing until they got him to Edward Hospital. There, the ER staff was able to insert an airway, and get his heart rate somewhat stabilized, after experiencing a dangerously rapid heartbeat.
Today is Tuesday, May 4, and Steve remains in ICU unresponsive. He has developed pneumonia and influenza and is experiencing seizure activity. Steve’s current MRI shows mild brain injury. His neurologist said that Steve's recovery will include millions of baby steps over many, many months.
We know that Andi and Steve are blessed with an abundance of friends and family across the country. Steve’s work over the years with the Phoenix Suns, ABC7 Chicago, and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center reflect his caring and compassion for others. Many of you know Andi through School District 203, the Naperville Education Foundation, and her work at Naper Settlement. You know how very much Andi gives of herself to others. It is now our time to give back to Andi to help her out with the overwhelming medical expenses that she and Steve are facing.
If you are so moved as to donate to help us help Andi and Steve, it would be very much appreciated.
UPDATE
Today is Saturday, May 8. Steve’s condition remains critical as doctors continue to battle seizure activity as a result of his heart attack and subsequent cardiac arrest. His heart (now sporting two new stents), lungs and kidneys have rebounded from hits they sustained. Andi is touched by the amount of support from family and friends, and continues to advocate for Steve.
Organizer and beneficiary
Betty Stevenson
Organizer
Bolingbrook, IL
Andi Kulbersh Koek
Beneficiary
