My Brother's Health Crisis

Since May, life has not been the same for my brother, Michael, and his wife, Sara. They run their own small business – Sara England Designs and have brought joy to pet lovers nationwide with Sara’s happy art. Throughout the years, they have enjoyed donating art and products to help animal welfare groups raise funds. 

Now, they are dealing with a serious health crisis. For the past five months, Michael has been suffering with severe and constant headaches, neck pain and double vision. After three emergency room visits, he was admitted to the hospital.  He stayed for over a week while doctors ran every test possible. He was then transferred to a second hospital where he was finally diagnosed with a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Leak. This a very rare condition, in which only two hospitals in the U.S. specialize. After five procedures where his own blood was injected into his spinal column to try to seal the leak, the symptoms persist.  He is unable to work more than an hour per day, needing to lay flat most of the day to lessen the pain. 

Michael and Sara recently traveled to Duke University Hospital where they were told promising news. Unlike other hospitals, Duke was able to pinpoint the source of the leak. It will require a very involved spinal surgery, to be scheduled sometime mid-winter. 

As small business owners, the financial impact with the current health care system has been severe. Michael and Sara have incurred tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills that will continue to grow until Michael is cured. 

I ask for your prayers and financial assistance to help them through this crisis. Michael and Sara are a strong team, and they will get through this.  Then they plan to get back to family, friends, and the business of dog art. 

Any funds after medical expenses are paid will be donated to animal welfare organizations. Thank you very much for your caring support.