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Brad’s Story

Site created on October 24, 2018

Welcome to Brad's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and prayers, and encouragement. As Kate focuses on spending her time with Brad - we can use this page for updates, connect with ways to help, and prayer requests.....

Hi Guys!!!

I'm Alex, Brad & Kate Pressler's Niece! As some of you may know, Brad was admitted to Akron General on October 18th with excruciating/unknown pain. Out of the blue. Without warning. Right before he was supposed to go on a big work trip. I can't even imagine.

As of now, Brad is still in the hospital - without diagnosis and treatment plan. As you can imagine, staying in the hospital for a week - without working, plus the medical bills adding up that insurance doesn't cover- It's already mounting up to more than they anticipated. But then again, who anticipates something like this?!

Many of you have been asking,"How can I help?!" and there are a couple of ways.

1. Prayer: Prayer for peace that surpasses all understanding for Brad & Kate. Prayer for complete, miraculous healing for Brad. Pray for wisdom and discernment for his medical team while making decisions and performing treatments. Prayer for rest, peace, and a sound mind for all those involved - both Brad + Kate and supporting family/friends. Above all, pray for God's presence and will to be with Brad + Kate and that they both can have strength, healing and blessing that only comes from Christ!

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)

2. Financially. As many of you might know, medical bills pile up quickly, even if you have insurance. No one needs that stress of financial burdens while trying to get better in the hospital! What a great way to bless Brad + Kate and lift some of that burden. If you want to help ease their financial medical burdens, you can do that a couple ways: 1. Reach out to me - alexandria.b.arnold@gmail.com (mailto:alexandria.b.arnold@gmail.com)OR 2. Donate Here via GoFundMe.

3. Space/Time. Give them time & space to process and support each other during this very scary and unexpected time. In order to make their lives easier, all the updates/well wishes/notes of encouragement can be all kept here! Kate + Brad will check/update the page as able. During all the in between times, they are both able to unplug and be there for and with each other completely. So, a great way to truly help is utilize this page for updates, ways to help, and offering encouragement/prayer/well wishes and allow them to heal and rest together.

They really LOVE you guys SO MUCH and are so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for helping, praying, supporting Brad + Kate during this time.

xo,
Alex (Their niece)

Newest Update

Journal entry by Kate Pressler — Feb 21, 2019

We are going home from the hospital today!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!!
Brad got the OK this morning from his surgeon!!!!

Everything is functioning, his stoma opening is stapled shut and looks great, and he has very minimal pain--only when moving around!!!!

Brad will be off of work for 2 to 4 weeks while he heals. It just depends on how fast his body recovers, because it was still a major surgery. And he will be limited in lifting etc. for 4 to 6 weeks to avoid developing a hernia.

WAYS TO HELP:

Due to Kate's very restrictive diet/food allergies, it is impossible to have others prepare any meals for us.

So.......If you would like to help/ease some of our financial burden while Brad is off work, it would be a HUGE HELP to receive GIFT CARDS to any of the following grocery stores:

Walmart
Giant Eagle
Aldi
Acme

This way we can purchase safe ingredients to prepare meals we can both eat!! If you wish to mail it or drop it off at our house, just message us for our address!!

Thank you to ALL who have prayed us through this storm in our life!!! We have felt God's presence and have seen His hand at work through every step of this journey. We are so grateful for God's mercy and healing power, and we know He will complete the healing that has begun after this final surgery!!! We are Praising the Lord the whole way home!!! Blessings and Love, Kate and Brad

Read More of the journal titled "GOING HOME & WAYS TO HELP!!!!"

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