Help Save Regina

Desperate times call for desperate measures. In October Regina was diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome - a rare vascular compression disorder - which prevents vital blood flow throughout the body but most adversely affects the kidneys. The debilitating condition creates a litany of painful issues which include severe flank pain, a distended abdomen, constant nausea, non functioning bowels, kidney stones, and an inability to eat (just to name a few).  Over the past 6 months Regina’s condition has steadily worsened. Due to the abject failure of the US medical system, we have made the difficult decision to fly to Germany where she can receive the absolute best care possible with Prof. Dr. Scholbach. The doctors there are considered the definitive authorities on Nutcracker and going there will give us the best chances of success. Based upon similar stories, we know that Regina is running out of time.  If enough time goes by without relief, her body will continue to deteriorate and we cannot fathom what would come next.

The journey ahead will not be an easy one and things are moving along very quickly.  It feels extra scary to be threading the eye of the Covid needle with a very weak and compromised Regina, but we will fly to Germany this Friday.  Upon arrival we will quarantine for 5 days before getting comprehensive testing in Leipzig and then if surgery is an option, head to Dusseldorf to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Sandmann. The surgery is intense and one of the most difficult to perform. It will  require a long stay in the hospital, potentially 3 weeks . This means we will be away from our children for at least a month. They are in sunny Florida in the comfort of Grandma Pam. This is so incredibly hard for us but we know a month is a blip in comparison to a life without Regina. During this time we will be asking for a LOT of prayer and support from our families back home. We are raising funds for our travel, lodging, medical expenses and income loss during this difficult time.

Regina is a giver.  For those of you who know her, she is one of the most authentic, humble, hard working, honest and loving people you will ever meet. It is hard to ask for support sometimes, but now is the time to rally around her with our love and prayers - we need to get her back to health so she can be the best momma continue to light up the world the way God put her here to do. We trust in our Heavenly Father to restore Regina back to 100% and have already seen door opening miracles that only Spirit can do!  Each day is a precious gift and we are humbly reminded not to take this life for granted. We are beyond grateful for any support you can give and pray that God blesses you greatly for it. Someday we very much look forward to giving warm hugs of gratitude for helping us in our time of need.

Love,

Jon, Regina, Leo and Onyx