Those of you who know me know that I have never posted asking for help for anything. But, these are my kids and when your kids are in need, you do things you wouldn’t normally do. So, with that being said…my son, Ryan and my beautiful, sweet daughter in law, Ashley have been dealing with some unexpected health issues and really need the help of friends and extended family at this time. I hope you’ll take the time to read what has happened to them over the last few weeks and that you will pray for them, share their story and help in any way you feel led.

In October, Ashley began experiencing severe pain, tingling, and numbness in her neck and down her left shoulder. She tried to put on a brave face, but the pain became impossible to ignore, and she started missing work. She went to urgent care, where they suggested it was likely a pinched nerve—no x-rays, no MRI, nothing to confirm. She visited an orthopedic ER, only to be told the same thing: “Oh honey, you just have a pinched nerve, you’ll be okay.” Again, no x-rays or scans ordered.

Meanwhile, the pain was unbearable, to the point where she couldn’t stand it anymore. Desperate, she tried the ER once more, but again, nothing! Fortunately, by the grace of God, they referred her to a spine specialist, who saw her quickly. He immediately ordered x-rays (and couldn’t believe no one else had!). After reviewing them, he determined that she had a ruptured disc in her neck but couldn’t assess the full extent without an MRI, which was done the same day.

The next day, she went back to go over the results. The specialist told her she was one tough cookie; he couldn’t believe she was standing there, given the amount of pain she must have been feeling. He explained that her disc had ruptured and was pressing on her spinal cord. Normally, he schedules surgery weeks or even months in advance, but he said she didn’t have weeks or months—she needed to do surgery within days, or she risked paralysis on that side.

So, on October 28th, she had emergency surgery to remove the ruptured disc and relieve the pressure on her spinal cord and also to put in an artificial disc in its place. While she’s thankful the surgery is done, she is still in severe pain. It will be 4 to 8 weeks before she can do anything, including work. I’m sure you can imagine the financial strain this has placed on her and my son. Not to mention the fact that just days before she was diagnosed, he had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand and then had to have the same surgery on his left hand the day after her neck surgery. What a pair—they both were handicapped at this point, Ryan could barely use his hands and Ashley could barely move. Now they’re both off work! Ryan will be going back soon, but Ashley still has a long recovery ahead. She doesn't have any paid leave available at work, and Ryan is only receiving a portion of his pay while he’s out.

When it rains, it pours. They’re facing out-of-pocket expenses for the surgeries, hospital, doctors, and ER visits, on top of their usual daily living expenses. The unexpected financial need is overwhelming. If you feel it in your heart to help financially, the whole family will be truly grateful. Again, thank you for reading, for sharing their story and for your prayers during this difficult time. I will keep everyone posted on their progress.