January 25, 2023 Update:
Mindy had her triple bypass surgery on Friday, January 20. The surgery went well and the doctors were pleased. Mindy was a trooper while in ICU and in the hospital. Now the healing begins – please continue to send your prayers. She has a long ways to go in this journey.
January 11, 2023 Update This week Mindy’s magnesium bottomed out on her and after feeling crappy for several hours she went in. Of course she was admitted and they ran test to determine her blood work was off. After IV fluids and medication she is better and at her pre-operative appointments today. Please keep her in your prayers and sending positive thoughts. She has 9 days to go until surgery day. ————— Life can be so unfair, but it does not have to be impossible – especially when living your entire life in a community and surrounding area as wonderful and giving as Washington and Wellman. Our friends, Mindy and Jake Miller have endured significant financial stress over the last several years. Jake was diagnosed in 2018 with bullous lung disease, necessitating 24/7 oxygen, with high out-of-pocket costs. Jake has continued to work through his medical issues, not even considering pursuing a disability or accepting financial assistance from friends or family. Rather, he and Mindy have continued to help others, as has always been their humble style. Last week, however, Mindy and Jake were dealt yet another life-threatening emergency – this time, it is Mindy. As she climbed the three flights of stairs to her yoga class, she felt a sudden onset of chest pressure. As would be typical of so many of us, and only being 54 years old, her initial thought was how out of shape she must be. After three weeks, Mindy finally listened to her sister and sought medical care. This resulted in an unsuccessful cardiac stent and, thus, a pending 3-vessel cardiac bypass surgery scheduled at UIHC on January 20. So, as friends of Jake and Mindy, we ask for any financial assistance you could provide. Mindy’s out-of-pocket cost for the open-heart surgery will be high, and her employer does not offer short- or long-term disability, so the loss of work income during her 3-month recovery will be substantial – not to mention travel and other medical expenses insurance may not cover. Any donation will be so greatly appreciated, as well as prayers and good vibes for a successful surgery and smooth recovery, so Mindy can return to her job, and both Mindy and Jake can return to enjoying life with their daughter, Jami Kucera and her children (Bristol and Beckett), whom they absolutely adore. We desperately want our friends not to have to worry about finances during this time. Please feel very free to share this story, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May you all have a most blessed holiday season.