Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
The backstory: On July 12, 2019, Louise received a call that no one thinks they will ever receive. Steve was involved in a severe motorcycle accident, suffering a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, lacerated liver, and punctured lungs. Five months, eight days, and three hospitals later, he returned home in December 2019.
Louise recalls: In the hours just after the accident, I remember standing by Steve's bedside with a dear friend asking the Lord to heal his broken body. He was so broken. I could not imagine this moment. Steve walking, talking, eating, laughing, praying...coming home. God's grace, the love and support of family and friends far and near is what has carried us through this time. My heart is full of gratitude for each one of you.
The Eichners are facing new hurdles at this time. In December 2020, while preparing for a surgery to correct a bone flap in Steve's skull, it was discovered that his red and white blood counts and platelets were all below normal. The surgery was canceled and they were sent on a new journey of trying to determine the cause. After a bone marrow biopsy on January 19, 2021, it was determined that Steve has high risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). This is a type of blood cancer that can turn aggressive very quickly with potential of becoming leukemia. The only possible cure is a stem cell transplant. They will also pursue therapies and possible clinical trials while waiting for that.
Their heads are spinning and hearts are broken as they process this new information. Additionally, he is having gall bladder concerns, but surgery is not an option due to his low blood counts. Please continue reading updates regarding this and his MDS diagnosis.
The Eichners are so very grateful for all your prayers, encouragement, and support over the last year and a half! Updates will continue as time allows. Isaiah 26:3
