My husband, Jeremiah Compean, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2010, a painful and dangerous autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the colon, leading to ulcers, severe pain, infections and bleeding. Over the years, he endured multiple hospitalizations to manage flare-ups and control his symptoms. In February 2022, after a short bout with COVID, Jeremiah experienced a severe ulcerative colitis flare-up that doctors couldn’t control with steroids or other medications. He was losing so much blood through the ulcers in his colon that his body couldn’t sustain itself, leading to an emergency colectomy, a life-saving surgery to remove his entire colon, which had become dangerously thin and deeply ulcerated. During the procedure, his colon ruptured, turning what was supposed to be a six-hour surgery into a difficult twelve-hour operation. Without it, he wouldn’t be here today.

While we are beyond grateful to God for the surgery that saved his life, Jeremiah has been living with an ileostomy bag ever since. An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body into an external bag, which requires costly supplies, frequent changes due to leaks, and ongoing maintenance. While a necessary tool at this point, it causes difficulty throughout his day, is a consistent source of stress, and prevents him from feeling completely normal. He is excited to regain his freedom, whether it’s swimming or playing with our boys. He is eager to live without the daily stress of maintaining the ileostomy.

Now, he has the opportunity to take the next step in his medical journey. He is undergoing a proctolectomy with a J-pouch procedure, a surgery that will help him live more freely and regain a sense of normal life. A J-pouch is a surgically created pouch made from the small intestine, allowing waste to pass normally without the need for an ileostomy. He will be able to move about his day without worry of carrying his bag. His first surgery is scheduled for March 4, 2025, and the final procedure will take place in May 2025.

While we are eager for him to move forward, we are hoping to raise $5,000 to help cover a portion of these costs. This journey has been long and challenging in many ways, but with your kindness and generosity, we can make this next step possible.

If you are able to donate, any amount—big or small, it will make a tremendous difference. If you can’t donate, simply sharing this page with others would mean the world to us. Above all, we trust that God will provide for our needs, and we deeply appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." – Isaiah 41:10

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and faith as we navigate this next chapter. We hold everyone reading this, supporting us, and praying for us close in our hearts and prayers.

With gratitude,

Emily and Jeremiah Compean