Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Long-Awaited Update, Part II

If you didn't get a chance to read Part I of the Long-Awaited Update, be sure to do that first! As promised:
I will continue in part II with what our new situation requires and invite anyone with the resources, knowledge or desire to help to join us in that endeavor.

As I mentioned, having radiation necrosis has been a very difficult diagnosis in that I have lost so many abilities--let alone having to forgo many dreams I had waiting for the day I'd be recovered enough to attempt them. I also pointed to the importance of pleasing the Lord as our primary goal which takes the pressure off all that wishin'! 

But with the loss of abilities--things you completely take for granted until you lose them--come a multitude of life changes and alterations just to keep going in this world. It would be truly overwhelming if I wasn't so sure that God would provide for all our needs, but He always has provided no matter what road He's led us down. Since I am in no shape to have a fundraiser, I'm just going to list what our needs are so you can join us in prayer specifically and perhaps you have one of these hanging around not being used or wish to donate toward the expenses. If you do wish to donate you can click on the established Paypal link on the top of the blog or send a gift to 5069 Oleander Pl., Santa Barbara, CA 93111. These items are above and beyond the regular and ongoing medical and prescription bills.

Items listed are in no particular order, just as they come to mind, and with estimate if know: 

Portable Air Conditioner - This was paid for with a gift from a dear sister--thanks B!


Hand Cycle Ecerciser This has been acquired - thank you, C! 


Sleep Number Bed - $5,400 - I was breaking ribs trying to get out of bed by pushing myself up with no use of my legs. This was the appropriate solution for me and had to be purchased so I could get some sleep instead of staying in the recliner uncomfortably in the living room with just a few hours sleep per night! I also need it to keep my feet elevated because of the inflammation. So using most of our savings we paid down to be able to finance the rest paying $75 for 3 years. And since it was for my specific need we went without all the features...in fact Mike doesn't have the ability to raise or lower his head or feet--the bed is split!


Hand Controls Installation in Car - $750 - I haven't been able to drive since January and my friend Donald who has Cerebral Palsy has been driving for years with hand controls! I'm not sure the cost of the controls themselves yet.


Electric Wheelchair - $1,200-$2,000 - I am using an insurance-grade manual chair that is difficult to push, and my arms aren't strong enough to do it myself. It would also be nice to be able to elevate my legs for long outings. $400 has been donated toward this expense so far - thank you!


Leg Compression Machine - donation promises have come in that provide for this much-needed machine! Praise God!  It came in today and I used it 15 min. and saw results already. I'll be using this regularly! Thank you!!!


CircAid Juxta-Fit Compression Leggings and Ankle/Foot Wraps - {$100 has been donated toward this need, 

but we are moving that to the above leg compression machine. Today, the doctor explained how this machine could help more while the leg wraps would come in handy for long days out when I can't put my feet up!}


Physical Therapy  - $??? - I haven't officially started this very necessary treatment so I don't know what I'm in for here.


Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Lessons - $240-320/month - this is a dream that actually could help the brain-body connection and mind/body/spirit as well! Visit them at http://www.heartsriding.org/ride/about-therapeutic-riding/ to learn more about therapeutic riding!


IPad - $500-800? This is a requirement for Trevor's 9th grade year. It is not a surprise to us, but everything else has been so I thought I'd just throw this one out there in case you have one you're not using (not first gen. though per school guidelines). Or maybe you're a top exec at Apple and wish to donate one to him.


Seems extensive, I know, but I also know that "nothing is impossible with God!" I might put this on a Go Fund Me site as encouraged by friends to do so, but again, I really appreciate your specific prayers regarding these items and I'll post photos of the item when we acquire them.

One more thing to help Mike out:  Our dear friend Katherine Marton created a meals calendar for those who are local and wish to provide our family a meal. One can sign up for a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. The calendar is now through Meal Train. Here's the link to our calendar: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0z49v5 (copy and paste--Blogger changed how to format this stuff and I haven't figured it out yet!)

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 is fitting for such a post as this:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.


1 comment:

Kim and Dave said...

Thanks for posting this, Krista. Now we pray! Love, Kim and Dave