This fundraiser is for Michael Ikabala and his family. Michael is from Papua New Guinea and he is a seminary student studying at Andrews University. His family is facing a very serious and difficult situation. His wife, Lorraine, and his mother, Laurel, are both critically ill. Michael also has two young daughters aged two (2) and four (4).

The family needs urgent medical care and support to safely bring Lorraine and the children back home to Papua New Guinea, and to provide rehabilitation for Laurel so she can recover as much as possible.

Lorraine’s Story

Lorraine Mark, Michael’s wife and the mother of his two young daughters, was first diagnosed with a brain tumor Grade III Oligodendroglioma in 2023. She had her first brain surgery in November 2023, followed by chemotherapy and radiation the whole of 2024, but the tumor came back in April 2025.

In July 2025, Lorraine needed another brain surgery. After this operation, she developed a serious wound infection that required cleaning and eight weeks of IV antibiotics.

On October 23, 2025, Lorraine had a third brain surgery to fight the infection that recurred. It made Lorraine become extremely ill, and the treatments are no longer working well. Her doctors have told her that the only option now is hospice care.

Because of this condition, Michael and their two young daughters are planning to bring Lorraine back home safely to Papua New Guinea, where she can be with family.

Laurel’s Story

Michael’s mother, Laurel Fera, came to the United States earlier this year to help Michael with taking care of the children while Lorraine was in the hospital. On September 26, 2025, she suddenly developed a very severe headache and was taken to Corewell Health Hospital. Doctors discovered a major bleed in her brain. She was admitted to the ICU and required several procedures to control the bleeding.

The brain bleed caused a traumatic brain injury and a stroke. Laurel is now unable to care for herself and needs intensive therapy to recover. She requires:

• a feeding tube for nutrition,

• speech therapy to regain communication,

• physical therapy to improve strength and movement,

• and occupational therapy to relearn daily activities.

Doctors recommend inpatient rehabilitation for 10–15 days. Because Laurel is in the United States on a tourist visa, she cannot get health insurance, so all costs must be paid out of pocket. Without rehab, her chances of meaningful recovery are very low.

Why Support Is Needed

Michael is trying to care for his wife, his mother, and his two young daughters, but as a student, he cannot cover all the costs alone.

Lorraine and Laurel cannot travel together due to their medical conditions as both are currently admitted to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael must make two separate trips to Papua New Guinea to bring them home safely. The Doctors gave Lorraine an extension of two weeks to stay at the hospital before she must be moved to a hospice care.

The family urgently needs help with travel costs and medical care.

Financial Breakdown

Total Needed: $70,000

Airfare and Travel – $25,000

This covers two round-trip flights for Michael and travel for Lorraine, their daughters, and Laurel. Their medical conditions require extra support and arrangements.

Rehabilitation for Laurel – $45,000

Laurel requires 10–15 days of inpatient rehabilitation at $3,000 per day. This therapy is essential for her to regain strength and function to travel home safely.

How You Can Help:

This family is going through an incredibly difficult time. Your support will go directly toward:

• travel expenses,

• rehabilitation for Laurel,

• and helping Lorraine and the children return home safely.

Every donation makes a difference. If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign with others is also very helpful.

Thank you for helping Michael and his family during this critical time. Your kindness, generosity and prayers can give them hope and support when they need it most.