Living with a chronic illness can be a vulnerable and isolated struggle, often kept private or shared only in small bits with those we trust. We know that everyone struggles, and certainly knows someone that is currently facing a difficult issue. Everyone has “a cross to bear.” We don’t want to burden anyone with worry of our own when others seem to have it far worse. We’d also like to think we are strong, but during times of weakness we have had tremendous support, and for that we feel blessed.

We would like to give our deepest thanks to God (the Great Physician), through whom all things are possible, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit we have been able to find some peace in the storm. Thanks to our deeply caring parents, who have always been there for us and remain steadfast by our sides. Our dear siblings, grandparents, nieces and nephews, our cousins, aunts and uncles, and other family members who we love very much and remind us that we, too, are loved. Our friends, near and far, that we have grown up with or have grown close to only recently, who offer compassion and reminders not to take ourselves too seriously, ever-encouraging us to smile. Our physicians, specialists, nurses and staff at the various care facilities who treat us with dignity and respect. Our spiritual father for his deep humility and guidance, his loving wife, and the parish community who welcomed us so warmly, without judgment or hesitation. And to all those who have included us in their thoughts and prayers that we have not yet had the honor to meet… Thank you, sincerely.

The weight we carry is not only physical, mental and emotional, but will also grow financially. We have our own health insurance through the ACA and are able to continue paying our normal monthly premiums. However, we are getting to the point of soon meeting our deductible each year over the next couple of years and added travel costs for more frequent appointments. As we draw closer to a kidney transplant surgery and/or home dialysis for Joshua, he will eventually qualify for ESRD Medicare (for 180 days), which will cover a large amount of the highly expensive procedures but not the entirety of the mandatory immunosuppressant medications. A full timeline and cost analysis can be found on the “Financial” page.

If you feel guided to help support us financially, please click the button below. ***All monetary gifts will be deposited into an account that we created specifically for donated funds, to be used ONLY for significant medical-related costs accrued, not to be used for personal finances.***

Again, we are tremendously grateful for the kind and sincere words of support we continually receive. Knowing there are prayers being said quietly with us in mind & heart is the greatest gift of all. Glory to God for all things!