Urgent Help for Steve Loofe's Medical and Living Costs

My name is Ericka. I never thought I would have to do this and I am incredibly humbled (and horrified) that I am reaching out publicly for financial support. My amazing husband of 26 years, Steve Loofe, has always been the main breadwinner and support; however, he has been unable to find consistent work for the last 3.5 years due to a his age, the economy, as well as his deteriorating health. Steve was born premature, weighing just a bit over 2 lbs. It is well documented that premature babies are much more likely to suffer a variety of health complications later in life. We, as most people, were not aware of this, although I have long suspected his issues had something to do with being born so underdeveloped. Although Steve was an accomplished athlete in high school and early college, he unknowingly developed Metabolic Syndrome by his mid to late twenties. Unaware, and as most of us are when we are young and feel fine, Steve was fairly unconcerned about the potential for this level of severe health problems to develop. Although he went on to have unreadable and dangerously high triglycerides, Type 2 diabetes, absurdly high cholesterol, and hypertension, he maintained his various sales and management careers and active social life over many years as well as raised our two now college-age sons. Steve has had three previous hospitalizations in the last 3-4 years for similar issues; however, nothing remotely close in severity. Unfortunately, all of these factors have now culminated in end-stage liver failure. He will likely need a liver transplant to be able to live a normal life. Steve was excited to have just started a new job one week prior when he was suddenly rushed to the ER with massive internal bleeding and had to be transferred to ICU where he almost lost his life on Father’s Day. Steve is home and recovering from the trauma his body and brain sustained, but due to the lack of liver function, he is not the same and he will not be able to work anytime soon, if ever. He has applied for Social Security Disability Benefits; however, this could take a long time. In the meantime, although I am doing everything possible to find employment for myself, we currently have NO income. Due to my sudden job loss in December, we lost our health insurance and are now beholden to a Marketplace plan that is extremely expensive and requires a $100 copay to see each doctor. Steve needs several follow up appointments. Not to mention the astronomical hospital bills we owe. Over the 3-4 years without Steve’s steady income, we have completely drained our savings, maxed our credit, and apparently we still do not qualify for any government assistance. We are in need immediate assistance to help cover our living expenses, utilities, medical expenses, etc. until we can financially recover. Steve’s medical recovery is a whole separate battle. This is a very difficult position to be in as I am extremely resistant to asking for help. However, the situation has become dire and I have run out of options. I am very humbly asking for any amount you may be able to donate to help us through this crisis. If you cannot donate monetarily, please pray for us and consider sharing this with your family and friends. We are sincerely grateful and truly appreciate any support and encouragement. Thank you!