Help Support Cord and His Family During His Heart Surgery & Recovery

Over the past several weeks, Cord has been battling severe abdominal and back pain, along with shortness of breath, sweats, and chills. Despite trying everything at home — from over-the-counter pain relief to chiropractor visits — the pain only grew worse and began to keep him from work and family life.

Multiple ER Visits & Tests

On August 26, Cord went to the Red Wing ER, where initial tests (including chest X-rays and labs) came back normal. He was sent home with medication and told to follow up with his doctor.

On September 2, after struggling through his first day on new work hours, Cord ended up in the Lake City ER. A CT scan looked normal, but troponin levels (a key marker for heart issues) raised concern. He was admitted to Red Wing, where an echocardiogram revealed some blockage in his heart. A stress test was scheduled for the following week.

Before that test could happen, Cord’s pain worsened, and on September 6, he was rushed to the Rochester ER. There, doctors discovered significant blockages in two arteries. They called him “a walking heart attack” and admitted him immediately.

What the Doctors Found

After additional testing — including a GI scope (which came back clear), a chemical stress study, and finally a coronary angiogram — doctors confirmed that Cord has severe blockages that cannot be treated with stents. He will need a triple or possibly quadruple bypass surgery, expected to happen on Monday, September 15.

They also confirmed that Cord has already suffered at least one heart attack, though they cannot determine precisely when it occurred.

Other Health Challenges

Alongside his heart issues, Cord has been managing diabetes. His A1C dropped from 14 to 7 in just a few months thanks to his hard work and lifestyle changes. Doctors believe the abdominal and back pain he’s been experiencing may be neuropathy linked to his diabetes.

How This Has Impacted the Family

Cord has already missed a significant amount of time at work, and his recovery will likely take weeks to months. Whitney has been staying by his side in the hospital while their mom takes care of the girls. The family is doing their best to remain strong, but the financial burden is heavy — especially with medical bills, lost income, and recovery expenses ahead.

How You Can Help

The family is deeply grateful for the prayers, kind words, and encouragement they’ve already received. Any support — whether financial, sharing this fundraiser, or simply keeping Cord in your thoughts — will help them tremendously as they navigate this arduous journey.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️