Support Farrah’s Heart Surgery Recovery

Farrah has lived with a congenital heart condition called Bicuspid Aortic Valve, which means her heart valve has only two flaps instead of the usual three. Over time, this led to severe aortic stenosis, making it difficult for her heart to pump blood properly. After careful consideration, her doctors recommended open-heart surgery to replace her valve with a mechanical one, giving her the best chance for a long and healthy future. This decision means she’ll need to take blood thinners for life, but it also reduces the likelihood of needing more surgeries down the road.

We arrived in Missoula last Wednesday for her surgery, and if all goes well, we hope to return home on the 24th. The journey has been overwhelming for our family. Farrah is not just my wife—she’s the mother of our four children, ages 9, 13, 16, and 18. The kids have been incredibly strong, but it’s been tough on all of us. The biggest challenges we’re facing right now are the costs of travel and hotel stays while Farrah recovers far from home. These expenses add up quickly and are a real strain on our family during an already stressful time.

Before surgery, Farrah told me her biggest fear was not waking up. I tried to lighten the mood by telling her she had to wake up—because if she didn’t, I’d be left alone with our boys and our moody teenage daughter, and nobody wants that! Thankfully, she listened. Today, I’m grateful to be writing this update. Farrah is stable, groggy, and in pain, but she’s here. Life is precious, and right now, mine is sitting in a hospital bed in Missoula, surrounded by love and support. We’re so thankful for the prayers and good thoughts we’ve received. The hardest part may be behind us, but we still have a long road ahead. Any help with travel and hotel costs would mean the world to our family as we focus on Farrah’s recovery.