Our dad has been in and out of the hospital for almost eight weeks following serious complications from a ruptured appendix. When his appendix burst, the infection attached itself to mesh from a hernia repair done over 20 years ago causing his entire body to teeter on septic.

He initially had surgery to remove his appendix and was able to go home, but shortly after, he developed a severe infection and an internal abscess. He was readmitted and underwent a second surgery to remove the abscess, and had a drain in place. After ten days, he was sent home and on home health to maintain his drain and open wound. He eventually was cleared but ended up back in the hospital as he was having pain. He had to have a third surgery to put in ANOTHER drain and admit him to get the abscess of infection down.

He’s now drain free but his infection remains. He is on longterm antibiotics while we, plus his team of doctors and nutritionalists, work to build up his strength and health. Once he’s stable and his albumin/pre-albumin levels are high enough, he’ll need a major surgery to remove the infected hernia mesh, a complex procedure his surgeon has described as very difficult with a long recovery.

As you can imagine, he is absolutely down for the count and unable to work. Our mom has missed work to stay by his side through every procedure. We all rotate so he is not alone any time, BUT, my mom finds it very difficult to be away from him and he just seems better when she’s there. Between parking in the hospital/appointments (which is $20 a day), food, gas, medicine, copays, and other hospital expenses, costs are quickly adding up. He also is on a protein heavy diet, per his doctor, and has to drink three protein shakes a day plus eat three full, meat heavy dishes, which also adds up financially. We also just found out that the medication he needs, to increase his appetite, may not be covered by insurance. On top of ALL of that, their hot water heater just went out and their basement flooded this morning.

My parents are incredibly private people, and like many of us, they carry a lot of pride. They told me “absolutely not” when I mentioned doing this, but I know their hearts. If the roles were reversed, they would step in for any one of us without hesitation. My mom fears judgment, but I believe compassion outweighs criticism, and the people who choose to judge aren’t the ones we’re asking for support from.

All donations will go directly to our parents to help cover everyday expenses during this long recovery: things like bills, copays, food, medications, and the damage from the hot water heater situation. If you prefer to give directly, you can also Venmo, and it will go straight into my mom’s account: @lexiestamps (last four of my number is 6145).

If you know our dad, you know he’d give anyone the shirt off his back. He has always been the first to help others, whether it’s fixing something for a neighbor, lending a hand to a friend in need, or quietly assisting someone who’s struggling, he never hesitates to give. He’s the kind of person who drops everything to show up when someone calls, no questions asked. Seeing him laid up and unable to do the things he loves (ministry, riding his bike, playing with Grayson) has been really hard for all of us. It’s our turn to show him the same love and generosity he’s shown to so many in his community over the years.

We’re so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve already received. I know the holidays are here and times are already tough, so please do not feel obligated. Any financial help means the world, but most importantly, we ask for your continued prayers.

With love and gratitude,
Dylan, Courtney, Lexie, and Tyler