In mid-July, Marcus was rushed to Intermountain Medical Center in excruciating pain, where doctors discovered a life-threatening aortic dissection. With very little chance of surviving surgery, every passing hour was a miracle. Against all odds, Marcus pulled through and continues to make slow, steady progress in his healing journey. He still has a long way to go across the next several months and up to a year with healing and therapy to regain strength, stamina and skills that once were easy for him.
As his recovery journey began, so many of you have reached out to Marcus and Melanie with endless love and support and have wanted to help in any way you can. The Rays have been so overcome with emotion at the kindness and support they have received from so many people. Many prayers and fasting have been offered for their family and specifically on Marcus’s behalf. Never in their lives have they even thought of being open, allowing people to help with every aspect of day to day needs, and sharing such deep and personal information publicly. They have felt inspired to share Marcus‘s story, recovery journey and testify that miracles still happen. Marcus and Melanie love and thank you for supporting them on this uphill rollercoaster of recovery from Marcus’s emergent open heart surgery.
Melanie is currently taking a leave of absence from work to care for Marcus. She feels so thankful to have been able to use PTO up to this point and then will take the remainder of her leave of absence without pay to continue as his caregiver as needed. This time together has taught her more about what real love and service for a spouse may look like, has strengthened their relationship, and made her even more grateful for such a good husband and father to their children.
Marcus works in the physically demanding roofing industry as a self-employed roof project manager and has medical benefits through Melanie’s employer. Because Marcus is self-employed, there are no paid benefits, sick leave or income coming in during this difficult time. Every day away from work means a loss of earnings, which makes the road ahead more challenging.
They have been repeatedly asked by family and friends to provide an outlet where they can help. Many local family and friends have brought meals, hugs, messages of encouragement, service in their yard and with their children, and so many more things. They don’t know what the future looks like and when Marcus will be able to safely go back to a physically demanding and stressful job that he loves. Because many people continue to inquire about an avenue for donations for their family for medical expenses, loss of income and living expenses, this GoFundMe has been created to ease the current and future heavy financial burden.
Your generosity will not only support Marcus and Melanie during this difficult time but also give them peace of mind as they focus on what matters most—his recovery and their family’s well-being. Thank you for your prayers, love, and any support you feel moved to give.
You are welcome to view more about Marcus’s story and recovery journey up to this point by going to Marcus Ray or Melanie Hanny Ray Facebook page. Feel free to share their posts as they have been made public.