The Lewis Family Fundraiser

This is the Lewis family, a family I have loved since before inception and one that was just hit with a massive blow.

Let's back up a bit.

For those who know Mike & Stephanie, and their children (Olivia 12, Ivan 9, Levi 7, and the baby of the family, Jovie, who just turned 1), you know them to be one of the warmest, funniest, most genuine families you've ever met. For those who don't know the Lewis fam, you should.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Steph (Vosper) since she was in high school as my friend's little sister who had an affinity for ska music, fashion, and hair. On one occasion, at Steph's older sister's wedding, I met her boyfriend, Mike. We instantly hit it off!

A couple of years later, after these love birds tied the knot, Mike & I started working together at a local radio station, where we got on like peas and carrots. And eventually, through a mutual love of music and Mike's bass-playing skills, Mike & Stephanie started attending our church. As a result, I've had a front-row seat watching their family grow, and grow, and grow, and grow. Miles now separate our day-to-day lives, but we've always kept in touch.

Just before Thanksgiving, I was devastated to hear that Steph was rushed to the hospital after a recent gallbladder surgery and ERCP procedure; her kidneys were failing due to an inflamed pancreas from the procedures, which turned out to be a serious problem. The outlook was grim, and the prognosis was bleak. She was in the ICU for 2 weeks, missing Thanksgiving with her family and all 4 kiddos' birthdays (they really like Valentine’s Day). The days went on with so many questions and potential fears left unanswered.

Steph is still in the hospital but stable and improving through the miraculous healing hand of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the team at St. Luke's Boise - Praise the Lord!

As a father, I can't imagine the "what-ifs" and worst-case scenarios that Mike has bouncing around in his head. Of course, I'm praying for a quick recovery and peace to once again fill their loving home, but I feel compelled to do more.

That's my long way of explaining why I've set up this GoFundMe page. Steph's road to a full recovery is unknown; there will be inevitable challenges: hospital bills, Christmas presents for 4 precious kids, and loss of income for an indefinite time (Steph is a fabulous hairstylist).

If you're the praying type, pray. If you're not, talk to Mike; he's good at that sort of thing. But, if you're inclined, please consider helping them in any way possible through this link. I hope that anything we can raise will help make this horrific situation easier on this family that I love so deeply.