Love for Brenda

Brenda Bruzelius fell ill and checked into the Mayo Clinic on January 8, 2019. She has been in ICU and in critical condition ever since. The doctors have had difficulty determining the root cause of her illness. She has had infections set in and her organs (liver and kidney) have experienced decreased function. Pneumonia has also set in. She has been on a respirator and dialysis machine. The doctors have determined she also suffers from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Because of the condition of her liver chemo therapy has been limited.

Brenda, my sister, lives in Pierre, South Dakota, and is 53 years old. Brenda is a beautiful, caring and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Before the illness set in she and her husband Kevin, sons Miles, Josiah and Zach cared for our father Henry Sherman who suffered from dementia. She opened up her family’s home to care for him for five years until his death in 2018. The family’s strength in their faith has kept them strong during this ordeal.

Brenda faces a long road to recovery. It’s seems that every step forward has been followed by two steps back. Kevin has been by her side since the illness began. He is on leave from his job back in Pierre. He has used up all his employment leave. They have insurance to cover most of the medical bills outside of out of pocket expenses, but presently have no income coming in. They are now looking at using their savings for incidentals like food, gas, bills and personal requirements to keep Kevin by her side.

Thoughts and prayers are requested, but that won’t pay for their expenses. Brenda is expected to spend several months in the hospital before she can recover and go home. Any amount of money would be appreciated to offset this burden. Thank you and God Bless.