A Heartfelt Request for Help

On June 2, 2025, our world changed in an instant. My husband Derek was rushed from work to the hospital with terrifying stroke-like symptoms—he lost his speech, all feeling on the left side of his body, and was gripped by a severe migraine and uncontrollable tremors in his right arm. Saying we were scared doesn’t begin to describe it.

Thankfully, he was stabilized and a stroke was ruled out, but something neurological was clearly happening. His primary care doctor ran extensive tests and confirmed our fears. We were told that seeing a neurologist in Missouri could take up to six months—but we were willing to drive anywhere, do anything, just to get answers.

While waiting, Derek tried to return to work, but his symptoms returned with force. For liability reasons, he was placed on medical leave. That’s when everything began to unravel—we lost our new home, our car, and the sense of stability we had worked so hard to build.

In our darkest moment, I called my dad and stepmom in Texas. Without hesitation, they opened their hearts and home to us. With the help of Derek’s amazing family and friends we packed our life into a U-Haul and made the long journey back to the Lone Star State.

The very next day, after unloading our things into a storage unit with the help of two God given strangers, Derek was able to see a doctor. That moment marked the beginning of a long and exhausting medical journey—neurologists, pain specialists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, imaging centers, ER visits, even dental and oral surgeons. Each appointment brought us closer to understanding what was happening, but also added to the emotional and financial toll.

We’re still living with my dad and stepmom, who have been incredibly generous and supportive. But the reality is, the mounting medical bills, copays, testing fees, and upfront costs are becoming overwhelming. Derek has surpassed the 12 week protection of FMLA and Short term disability and I have added him to my insurance for the time being which is very expensive. We’ve stretched every resource we have, and now we’re humbly asking for help.

If you feel moved to support us—whether through a donation, a prayer, or even just sharing our story—we would be deeply grateful. Every bit of kindness helps us stay afloat and continue fighting for Derek’s health and healing. We believe God is walking with us through this storm, and we trust that with the help of compassionate hearts, we’ll find our way through.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of our journey.