Tim's Hernia Surgeries

For 12 years Tim has been suffering from a recurring umbilical hernia. The first appeared in 2006, and was repaired in 2007. It recurred within 3 years of the repair. Once again, Tim had another surgery in 2013 to repair an umbilical hernia. It was during this time that Tim began to ask the question, "What was the main reason for the recurrence?". Weight seemed to always be the answer, and although Tim tried to control his weight with diet and exercise, the hernia returned. This time the hernia was so severe that the whole of his mid-section was distended and deformed. In February of 2018, Tim was rushed to the hospital with excruciating pain. He had developed a bowel obstruction within the hernia, and the hernia itself was incarcerated. Due to several factors, the doctors decided to implement a surgical plan to help insure that there would not be a recurrence of this, instead of repair it in emergency surgery. After relieving the obstruction, they sent Tim home with a plan of action. 

The first step was to fix the root issue of the belly size. They would perform the bariatric procedure called the gastric sleeve. This phase of the hernia repair would not be covered by the insurance and would cost Tim, $15,000 out of pocket expenses. Although they consider the first phase of the plan, elective, Tim's insurance will cover the other phase of the hernia repair, which will be removing adhesions from the mesh from the past hernia repairs, and repairing once and for all the hernia problem.

If the hernia remains unresolved then obstructions, paralyzed intestine, fissures, or any number of complications are probable, all of which are life threatening. This issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more emergent issues. 

Tim works 2 jobs. He is a pastor for a small church called Crossroads Community Church in Lindale, Texas, where he has faithfully pastored for the past 10 years. He is also a drummer for a band called the Tuxedo Cats in Tyler, Texas where you will find him singing and playing every weekend . Both of these jobs combined do not provide enough money to be able to afford the up front costs ($15000 due May 21, 2018) that the Bariatric team is asking before they perform the surgery. As difficult as it is to make ends meet within these 2 jobs, it will be close to impossible to come up with the additional funds necessary to turn in May 21 for Phase one of the plan. It is also extremely difficult to ask for help. Tim knows that in order to provide for his family during this time and be able to take care of his health, he is going to have to ask for assistance. Anything helps to get him to the total of $15000 to turn in by May 21. We believe in the power of prayer! Please, if you can't give, pray that God will do what He is so faithful to do, and provide the need. Thank you so much.