My wife Melanie and I have dedicated our lives to teaching in our local communities, each with 26 years of experience. Melanie, a Spanish teacher, has faced a series of escalating health challenges since 2011. In 2020, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which has continued to impact her mobility and quality of life despite ongoing treatment. Alongside this, she has endured other orthopedic issues that have required multiple surgeries over the years.
Since May 2021, Melanie has experienced episodes of septic blood and other infections, resulting in multiple hospitalizations—including in May 2025, November 2025, and a current stay of 12 days and counting. The latest complications began in October 2025, leading to her inability to work and a transition from short-term to long-term disability. These health issues have caused joint infections in her ankle and possibly her knee, leaving her unable to walk without a walker and in significant pain. The hospital is working to get insurance approval for rehabilitation services to help her regain mobility. The repeated hospital stays and loss of work have led to mounting insurance deductibles from last year and new ones for this year. Our oldest son is a police officer in our community, but we still have three children living at home, two of whom are still in school.
Any funds raised will be used to cover medical bills, including possible rehabilitation services and needed health aids, as well as living expenses to help bridge the gap between Melanie's lost income and the greatly reduced disability benefits. I never thought my family would be in the position to need something like GoFundMe. We are a family of faith, praying and believing for healing for Melanie and solutions to the challenges that have arisen from her health issues. Family and friends have generously helped in many ways, especially over the past five months, but we are facing several more months of unknown recovery and challenges. Any support—whether through donations or sharing our story—would mean so much to us during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and prayers.
UPDATE:
After 18 days in the hospital and 3 surgeries on her ankle to remove infection Melanie was moved to a rehabilitation facility this afternoon for at least the next 10 days. She is still being treated for a blood clot and will be on IV antibiotics for at least 5 weeks and is facing a reconstructive surgery probably over the summer. Her RA will s complicating since she cannot receive her monthly treatments until cleared of all other issues.
Since May 2021, Melanie has experienced episodes of septic blood and other infections, resulting in multiple hospitalizations—including in May 2025, November 2025, and a current stay of 12 days and counting. The latest complications began in October 2025, leading to her inability to work and a transition from short-term to long-term disability. These health issues have caused joint infections in her ankle and possibly her knee, leaving her unable to walk without a walker and in significant pain. The hospital is working to get insurance approval for rehabilitation services to help her regain mobility. The repeated hospital stays and loss of work have led to mounting insurance deductibles from last year and new ones for this year. Our oldest son is a police officer in our community, but we still have three children living at home, two of whom are still in school.
Any funds raised will be used to cover medical bills, including possible rehabilitation services and needed health aids, as well as living expenses to help bridge the gap between Melanie's lost income and the greatly reduced disability benefits. I never thought my family would be in the position to need something like GoFundMe. We are a family of faith, praying and believing for healing for Melanie and solutions to the challenges that have arisen from her health issues. Family and friends have generously helped in many ways, especially over the past five months, but we are facing several more months of unknown recovery and challenges. Any support—whether through donations or sharing our story—would mean so much to us during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and prayers.
UPDATE:
After 18 days in the hospital and 3 surgeries on her ankle to remove infection Melanie was moved to a rehabilitation facility this afternoon for at least the next 10 days. She is still being treated for a blood clot and will be on IV antibiotics for at least 5 weeks and is facing a reconstructive surgery probably over the summer. Her RA will s complicating since she cannot receive her monthly treatments until cleared of all other issues.