Schweitzer Family Medical Fund
Donation protected
For those of us who have had the privilege of knowing Joey and Adele Schweitzer throughout the years we have come to understand the depth of those words exchanged in the vows of Holy Matrimony all too well.
"I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life" as well as "Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?"
After sixteen years of marriage and nine beautiful children, Joey and Adele have shown us their commitment to and understanding of those often challenging vows. This story however is not one of just sickness or times of struggle, it is a story about faith. Furthermore it's a story about Joy, Hope, and Charity. No, those aren't the names of their three beautiful daughters, those are the gifts and virtues that they have shared with us, their neighbors, their family, and their parish community for almost two decades. We all understand the importance of being surrounded by family and friends maybe even more so as we grow older. When you think of the type of family member or friend that you would desire to spend that time with I can assure you the Schweitzer's are that people.
From the very beginning of their dating relationship it was clear that "times of sickness" were going to face them. Even while still at Franciscan University Joey was dealing with intense health battles which ultimately led to him needing his colon removed early in their marriage. Several years later Joey began to encounter seizures which was eventually identified as a neurological seizure disorder. I have witnessed first hand the struggles that this has brought to their family yet they continue on determined to get through it rooted in faith and with the support of their family and many friends. Because of his condition, Joey is no longer able to work and is currently receiving disability medicare. Because of a coverage gap, his monthly uncovered prescriptions average over $900/month. A burden that is weighing heavily on his family. Additionally, local physicians have run out of treatment options and so Joey and Adele have again turned to prayer for an answer. On the first feast day of Pope St. John Paul II Joey's case was accepted by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL for a one week assessment which will begin on November 5th, his 39th birthday. Unfortunately, the cost of his care is "outside the network" for Medicare. Joey and Adele will be on the hook for significant medical expenses but they really have no other option at this point. His condition is deteriorating. Help is essential.
Sadly their oldest daughter Elizabeth Grace (Ella) who is 9 years old likewise has intractable epilepsy. The family is hopeful and praying that the Mayo Clinic will incorporate her case into Joey's since as of now nothing has worked in abating her condition including the consultation of many doctors even out of state.
By grace, arrangements have been made for their travel to Jacksonville and their flight home. With Adele taking time off from work and the need for a hotel, food, and ancillary travel expenses I am asking that you would prayerfully consider contributing and being as generous as possible for their cause. They are extremely humbled by the fact that this is happening and that their family, friends, and acquaintances would even consider doing this for them. They had hoped that it would not come to this but they know that God has a plan for them and that it now includes the seeking of prayers and monetary support of those closest to them.
They are anticipating not only medical costs, travel costs, but very likely follow up care for Joey and Ella in Florida if not Rochester, MN.
Please forward this on to others and ask them to pray for Joey and Adele, Jacob, Nathan, Benjamin, Ella, Joshua, Alex, Audrey & Annie, and Jude as well as to contribute any financial support they can.
May God bring answers and relief to this very difficult and ongoing struggle.
In Christ,
Mark Sanborn
"I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life" as well as "Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?"
After sixteen years of marriage and nine beautiful children, Joey and Adele have shown us their commitment to and understanding of those often challenging vows. This story however is not one of just sickness or times of struggle, it is a story about faith. Furthermore it's a story about Joy, Hope, and Charity. No, those aren't the names of their three beautiful daughters, those are the gifts and virtues that they have shared with us, their neighbors, their family, and their parish community for almost two decades. We all understand the importance of being surrounded by family and friends maybe even more so as we grow older. When you think of the type of family member or friend that you would desire to spend that time with I can assure you the Schweitzer's are that people.
From the very beginning of their dating relationship it was clear that "times of sickness" were going to face them. Even while still at Franciscan University Joey was dealing with intense health battles which ultimately led to him needing his colon removed early in their marriage. Several years later Joey began to encounter seizures which was eventually identified as a neurological seizure disorder. I have witnessed first hand the struggles that this has brought to their family yet they continue on determined to get through it rooted in faith and with the support of their family and many friends. Because of his condition, Joey is no longer able to work and is currently receiving disability medicare. Because of a coverage gap, his monthly uncovered prescriptions average over $900/month. A burden that is weighing heavily on his family. Additionally, local physicians have run out of treatment options and so Joey and Adele have again turned to prayer for an answer. On the first feast day of Pope St. John Paul II Joey's case was accepted by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL for a one week assessment which will begin on November 5th, his 39th birthday. Unfortunately, the cost of his care is "outside the network" for Medicare. Joey and Adele will be on the hook for significant medical expenses but they really have no other option at this point. His condition is deteriorating. Help is essential.
Sadly their oldest daughter Elizabeth Grace (Ella) who is 9 years old likewise has intractable epilepsy. The family is hopeful and praying that the Mayo Clinic will incorporate her case into Joey's since as of now nothing has worked in abating her condition including the consultation of many doctors even out of state.
By grace, arrangements have been made for their travel to Jacksonville and their flight home. With Adele taking time off from work and the need for a hotel, food, and ancillary travel expenses I am asking that you would prayerfully consider contributing and being as generous as possible for their cause. They are extremely humbled by the fact that this is happening and that their family, friends, and acquaintances would even consider doing this for them. They had hoped that it would not come to this but they know that God has a plan for them and that it now includes the seeking of prayers and monetary support of those closest to them.
They are anticipating not only medical costs, travel costs, but very likely follow up care for Joey and Ella in Florida if not Rochester, MN.
Please forward this on to others and ask them to pray for Joey and Adele, Jacob, Nathan, Benjamin, Ella, Joshua, Alex, Audrey & Annie, and Jude as well as to contribute any financial support they can.
May God bring answers and relief to this very difficult and ongoing struggle.
In Christ,
Mark Sanborn
Organizer
Mark Sanborn
Organizer
Covington, LA