Support Lance and Kylee's Fight for Health and Wellness

My name is Ginger Hood Fowler and I have been friends with Lance and Kylee Purucker since high school. Numerous health issues over the last few years have created a loss of income and an influx of debt for their family. I am sharing their story in the hope that our community can assist them with covering their bills in the short term and ease their stress to set them up for long term healing.

In Kylee's words:

In August of 2023 my weight dropped down to 90lbs. I was admitted to an eating disorder clinic where they diagnosed me with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). On my 5th day there I was taken to the hospital by ambulance due to dangerously low blood pressure.

My doctor decided I needed a J tube (feeding tube in abdomen) to supplement my nutrition. The tube was placed in August (I was 88lbs the day of surgery) but became dislodged in January. The doctor decided we would wait and see how I would do just eating on my own. I had been faring pretty well with the tube, but replacing it would require another surgery. My weight started to drop rapidly. By April I had lost another 20 lbs and weighed 72 lbs. I was no longer able to get a new J Tube, as my doctor did not think I would survive the surgery to place it. It was determined that I would need to have an NG Tube (tube in nose, down back of the throat). That was placed on March 24, and I have already been readmitted to the hospital twice due to complications with the tube.

Neither Lance or I are working. Lance is now my full time caregiver as I need to have someone with me 24/7. Our bills keep coming (household bills as well as medical bills). My teeth were destroyed by meds, vomiting, and malnutrition. I am in pain and unable to chew properly. This, too, is a contributing factor to my condition, but we do not have the insurance or income to deal with it at this time. It could be some time before Lance is able to work full time again, and, while I am currently applying for disability, the process is lengthy and not guaranteed.