Support Megan's Life-saving Surgery and Recovery

Megan is one of my lifelong best friends — the kind of friend who becomes family. Her family is my family. And right now, she needs our help more than ever.

Megan has already lived through the unimaginable. She battled cancer as a teenager. She endured the devastating loss of her precious son, Briar. And now, she faces another unthinkable challenge — one that no one should ever have to face.

Several years ago, Megan went to the ER with chest pain. Thanks to an incredible ER doctor at Avera, they discovered something no one could have expected: a Thoracic & Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm — a dangerous, often fatal condition that has since been monitored at Mayo Clinic every six months.

At her most recent appointment, doctors shared that the aneurysm has now reached a size where the risk of rupture is too great to ignore. Surgery is no longer a question — it’s a necessity.

On September 4, Megan will undergo a 12–14 hour surgery at Mayo in Rochester, MN. It will involve a team of both heart and aortic specialists, followed by an intensive recovery: at least 3 days in ICU, 4–5 more days in recovery, and then 6–12 months at home before she may return to normal activities.

This surgery — in her surgeon’s words — is “as big as it gets.” But it offers one hope: if all goes well, Megan can finally live without the constant fear of a life-ending rupture.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Megan is so many things — a wife to Jeremy, a mother to her three children, Rilynn, Briar, and Bennett, a therapist, a friend, and a fighter. She recently completed her master’s and launched her work as a licensed therapist, pouring her heart into helping others, even while carrying this silent fear.

Now it’s time for us to show up for her — the way she’s shown up for so many.

We’re raising funds to help support Megan and her family with:

How You Can Help

Prayers & Positive Thoughts

Please lift Megan, her family, and her care team in prayer over the coming weeks — as she prepares, on September 4 during her surgery, and throughout her long journey of healing.

Give if You Can

Any donation — no matter the amount — will make a difference. And every message, share, or note of encouragement is a gift too.

A Final Word:

The aneurysm Megan carries is located in the largest artery of the body — the "fuel line" that feeds nearly every organ. Doctors will remove and replace the entire straight portion of this artery — the part just after it curves out of the heart — to save her life.

This is terrifying. This is overwhelming. But this is also hopeful. And Megan deserves that hope.

Please help me wrap her in love, prayer, and support. The world needs her light — and I need her, too.

Thank you.