Family and Friends,

As many of you may know, Wes has been challenged with some major health issues this summer. On July 7th, he had a quadruple bypass surgery that included a mechanical valve replacement. While he is getting better day by day, he has a long road of recovery ahead of him. At a recent follow-up appointment with the cardiologist, the doctor said that he is making progress but they are still trying to manage swelling and his elevated heart rate, which he had to wear a heart monitor for. He has moments of struggle, especially during the night. He sleeps for about 2-3 hours and wakes up in pain/discomfort. At times during the night, I can hear his mechanical valve ticking and I find myself staying awake to keep an eye on him to make sure he is ok. He is on a lot of medicine and is managing his diabetes on top of all this.

But as I keep telling him, he is here as he is a fighter and he has received a 2nd chance at life! While our life isn’t what we knew it to be before all this, we are ever so thankful to have him here with us! I know he will rise above all this! He is my fighter and he is continuing to fight every day. I have tried lately to have some normalcy to our lives and to get him out of the house. So, he has accompanied me to some college visits for Emma. He has had to sit down and take breaks but he is getting exercise and fresh air. With his 2nd chance at life, we have made big changes with his diet and he is taking better care of himself with his medicine. My kiddos and I are trying to keep his spirits high. Their daily dose of laughter is medicine for his soul.

Along with the health challenges that Wes has been working through, we are also facing financial challenges. After being out of work since June 30th, Wes was recently told by the cardiologist that he won't be able to return to work for an additional 6 weeks. While he is receiving 60% of his pay with short term disability, the financial stress and loss of income are taking a toll. Since he was at RUSH Copley and RUSH University Medical Center downtown, we have started to receive medical bills from both hospitals. At each doctor's appointment, they ask if we can make a payment. We just cannot. He has needed a lot of medical supplies at home that we had to invest in as well. He just took out a 401(K) loan to catch us up on rent and car payments. I try to alleviate his stress as it’s just not good for his health. But, he has cried to me about worrying his health is going to financially drain us.

Wes and I have read all of your messages of love and support and have truly been brought to tears. It is not within either of our characters to ask for help but we are really struggling financially. At this point, we have decided to swallow our pride to ask for help with medical bills, rent, utilities, food, etc. while he to strives to get better and back to work. If you have the means to help in some way, we would truly appreciate your support. And if you don't, we welcome your encouragement, thoughts and prayers too!