Rachael Loehr
We have just returned from a long day in Seattle, and I have an update. Jeff, Carol, Shannon, Sean, Rachael and Dan left at 5:00 am for a required liver transplant class, which lasted 3 hours. We learned many things, including the fact that in the first year post-transplant, Rachael will need over $20,000 of medications. The amount goes down to $10,000 in year two. Thank you Lord, for disability insurance that should cover most of that amount!
I (Carol) have to admit that I was very overwhelmed by the whole thing. We have known for almost four years that Rachael needs a heart transplant, and we have diligently worked toward that end. To add a liver transplant on top…well…
The University of Washington Medical Center has never done a combination heart and liver transplant, which is what Rach needs. However, the doctor in charge of liver transplantation has done these surgeries at other hospitals. So, he joins the staff of highly qualified surgeons who will operate on Rachael, when the time comes.
At the moment, Rachael’s listing has been suspended until we finish all the testing required for her to be listed for heart AND liver. The good news is that she has now been accepted for liver transplantation, so now we just complete the battery of tests required, and then she will be actively listed again.
We aren’t sure when this will happen, nor how long the wait will be once she is listed. She was officially listed for heart transplant on Jan. 8, 2009, which seems like a very long time ago at this point.
And, of course, there is the added joy about the August 20th wedding date for our dear Dan and Rachael…
And then, the 2011 Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree Oct. 12-16…
Please join us as we pray that all these things will work out according to God’s perfect plan and in His perfect timing, which OF COURSE we know will happen! God is faithful for sure.
But today, we are tired…
Above is the latest posting on Rachael’s Caringbridge page. There will be a sign-up sheet for ”24-Hour Prayer Covering for Rachael and the Loehrs” when they receive “the call.” Check back at this site to view this and other updates.
If you would like to make a donation to the Loehr family, please send it to Hockinson Community Church; 15918 NE 182nd Ave.; Brush Prairie, WA 98606, and indicate on the check “Rachael Loehr” fund.
Below is Rachael’s story:
Background Story
If you would like to get to know me more,and read my personal blogs you can visit my Caringbridge site by going to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Rach/mystory I was born with a life-threatening heart defect, and had my first heart operation at 20 hours old. My second operation at six and a half, and a third at 18. Because of my unique physiology, it has always been a matter of time before I would need a transplant. Now, at the age of 26, that time has come. The process to be approved for a transplant is intensive, and requires many tests, interviews, and procedures. Because of my insurance, I have to do all of these things at a hospital in Seattle. My Cardiologist is very optimistic that the whole process can be completed quickly and I would be approved and placed on the transplant list within 3 weeks. As anyone might suppose, this is an intense and trying time for both myself and my family. It is a daunting thing to face mortality this decidedly, especially with the reality that another person will have to die in order for me to live. It is beyond difficult to be in this season where I feel as though my life is on hold. I am not well enough now to engage in life as someone my age would, and that opens doors to depression and despair. My only hope and comfort is in God’s promise to be with me, and to sustain me. I rest in the knowledge that He is good and that He loves me more than I can ever fathom! Even in the midst of my own suffering I know that I will never suffer as much as my Savior. Prayer Needs: 1. That the Lord will encourage my family and my boyfriend and strenghten them in this season: *Parents: Jeff & Carol Loehr *Sister and Brother-in-law: Shannon & Chris Gross New parents to Gabriel, 10 months * Brother: Sean Loehr *Boyfriend: Dan Friesen 2. That God will give the doctors wisdom in the decisions concerning my medical care. 3. For me: Pray that God will help me stay strong and joyful. That He would help me maintain perspective and sustain me through the fear and the pain. 4. Pray also that the Lords would sustain our finances to cover the extra travel, food, and accommodations while we are back and forth from home to Seattle. “We wait for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us Oh Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22