- L
- K
- L
7/14/2025
UPDATE ON: Donate to Support Terry Ihrke’s Journey to Stability . . .
The campaign for Terry has raised a total of $745, allowing him to cover his hotel rent, with only $50 needed for the next payment due on July 18, 2025.
The fundraising effort is notable given the numerous other GoFundMe campaigns related to disasters and health issues.
You may be wondering why God allows disasters to occur. I’d like to share some reflections on this topic: One perspective is that, rather than causing these events, He offers comfort to those affected. Disasters may arise from a fallen world or serve divine purposes. In times of suffering, believers often find strength and solace in His presence. Furthermore, such events can illuminate God's power and foster compassion among us. It’s essential to maintain trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even amidst uncertainty.
Once again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support of this campaign. Whether through your prayers, generous contributions, or simply spreading the word, every act of kindness brings Terry one step closer to achieving the dream of stable and permanent housing. Your efforts are lighting the path to a brighter future!
Sharon Ihrke
Dear family and friends,
I am writing to ask for financial help for our son, Terry Ihrke, who is facing serious health issues. Years ago, in Norfolk, Virginia, he had severe pain that led to a hospital stay where doctors found he had pneumonia due to a serious underlying condition.
Terry has struggled with health problems since high school, when he was diagnosed with no immune system, making him very vulnerable to infections. Despite his strength, managing his health and medical debt has been challenging. The burden of hospital bills, along with incomplete health insurance, has made things even harder.
After moving to Minnesota (MN), Terry was able to secure some medical assistance for his medications and doctor visits in Monticello, MN. He also kept his online furniture business, which he started in Norfolk, VA. However, due to his debt in Virginia, his wholesaler now requires cash up front for customer orders. Terry also pays for delivery staff to handle his orders.
He applied for early social security retirement, but the amount is very low. He did not qualify for disability benefits because he lacked enough work credits.
Terry found an extended-stay hotel in Monticello to be close to his daughter and her family, including his son-in-law and four grandsons. He enjoys attending their sports events when he’s feeling well.
Recently, we learned that Terry's liver is severely compromised, creating a hopeful but uncertain situation regarding his recovery and finances. He relies on various medications, which can have difficult side effects. He often needs surgery to remove cysts from his liver, adding to his health challenges. Changes to his medication can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and nausea, lasting several days and affecting his quality of life.
Terry is now confronted with an urgent and daunting challenge: securing the necessary funds to meet his mounting financial obligations. The relentless rise in living costs has forced him out of an expensive extended-stay hotel in Monticello, leaving him without a stable roof over his head. As a result, every dollar he receives is earmarked for his weekly accommodation at a modest hotel that is graciously allowing him to stay on a week-to-week basis. This comes at a steep price—he must pay $480 every Friday to secure his shelter.
As a family, we are desperately working to find a lasting solution for his housing situation, but the shadow of poor credit scores looms large, complicating our efforts in securing permanent housing. Unfortunately, no one is able or willing to co-sign for him—a situation that weighs heavily on our hearts. We earnestly seek prayers, ideas, and suggestions to help us navigate this challenging path toward stable, long-term housing for Terry.
Every contribution, no matter how small, or sharing this post, brings us closer to providing Terry with the security and comfort he deserves. Your kindness can brighten his world, enabling him to continue living with dignity and experience the simple joys of life.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for considering our plea and for your willingness to make a meaningful difference in our family’s journey. Your support means everything to us.
Sharon Ihrke
P.S. I kindly ask you to refrain from sending me a friend request if your name does not appear in my contact list. This is not just a personal preference; it serves as a precaution against potential scam attempts. Given the increasing prevalence of online scams, I want to ensure that my network remains secure and limited to people I genuinely know and trust. I appreciate your understanding!