Support Daylen & Nadine—Internal Bleeding & Neuropathy

Dear friends and family,

I’m writing today on behalf of two of my very favorite people in the world—Daylen and Nadine Brandes. If you know either or both of them, you've more than likely been blessed in some way or another.

Two years ago, Daylen was diagnosed with a complex case of chronic pancreatitis that resulted in his having to resign from his full-time ministry work. In just the past 9 months, Daylen has been hospitalized 14 times for extreme situations like internal bleeding requiring over 20 transfusions, muscle atrophy, physical damage from medical procedures, and now a rare full-body neuropathy affecting his ability to walk, function, and even hold his children.

What began as numbness in his feet on April 8, 2025, rapidly progressed up his legs, torso, and to his face. His condition now impacts his whole body—including some facial muscles. He’s been undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic, a day's drive from their home. He has been dubbed a "medical mystery" by multiple doctors on several occasions.

To make matters more difficult, Daylen now requires pancreatic enzymes to absorb nutrients—a $2,000/month out-of-pocket expense because insurance won’t cover it.

‍‍‍Life on Pause

Daylen and Nadine have served and ministered to young adults through years in college ministry, teaching the Bible, writing faith-based Young Adult novels, and mentoring young writers through creating stories with the Lord. They have four children ages 6, 5, 3, and 2, the last of whom was born just weeks before Daylen was hospitalized.

Due to his unusual and unpredictable illnesses, Daylen has been unable to work for the past two years. Nadine, as his caregiver, has also had to step back from her work as an author and editor to care for their family and be his advocate during hospital visits.

Daylen has lost 25+ pounds in the past month and will soon enter months of therapy in the hopes of regaining daily function, reversing nerve pain, as well as building strength enough to resume some regular life activities.

Meanwhile, Nadine is homeschooling the children, handling medical bills, hospital visits, appointments, and contacting specialists to get Daylen the best care.

How You Can Love Them

I’ve set up this fundraiser to help ease some of their burdens. Funds will go toward:

If you can give, thank you. If not, please pray over the Brandes family and share this fundraiser with those who may be led to help. Nadine is my best friend, and she and Daylen are like family. Time and time again, Daylen & Nadine have been there for me and my family, so it is my hope in creating this GoFundMe that we can bless them in a big way as they face a season of continued hardship. Thank you all!

~ Sara Ella