As many in our community saw in the Huron Daily Tribune https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/bad-axe-daycare-saves-infant-21216298.php, our family faced a sudden and terrifying crisis this holiday season. Our seven-month-old son, Ryker Gebhardt, was rushed into emergency surgery for intussusception and a perforated colon at Covenant in Saginaw—about an hour and a half away from our home in Harbor Beach.

​The days that followed were some of the hardest of our lives. We spent over a week by Ryker’s side in the hospital, hoping and praying for his recovery. We are Nicholas Gebhardt and Schiada Gardner, and as parents, our only priority was being there for our son. While we are endlessly grateful that Ryker is now on the mend, the experience has left us in a difficult position—emotionally and financially—right through Thanksgiving and into Christmas.

​Being away from home meant a significant loss of income for both of us. I serve our community as a City Carrier for the United States Postal Service here in Harbor Beach, and Schiada is a CNA at the Huron Medical Care Facility. Because we needed to be in Saginaw for Ryker, we were forced to spend money we could not afford—money meant for basic bills—just to sustain ourselves while away from home.

​Missing Thanksgiving entirely and now facing a difficult Christmas has been incredibly hard. Between the costs of travel, food, and the time away from our jobs, the financial toll has made it tough to keep up with our basic needs.

​We truly appreciate the support and prayers from our friends and neighbors. I honestly believe that Ryker’s speedy recovery after such an intense surgery is a testament to the emotional support this community provided. I have never asked for help like this before, but I would do anything for my children. If that means humbling myself in front of my community, they are worth my pride.

​Any support you can offer—whether through donations, sharing our story, or keeping us in your thoughts—means the world to us. Thank you for standing by our family during this challenging time.