Heath’s Story

Site created on March 16, 2022

Heath started coughing up blood January 31st of this year. He passed away just two months later on March 30, 2022 at the age of 54.

The many specialists involved in his care remain unsure why his lungs were bleeding, but hopefully the pathologist will be able to solve the mystery.

He went septic after his stay at St. David’s North, and we readmitted him to Dell Seton hospital where he received amazing medical care from (almost) universally kind, fun, and uber-competent staff.

Ultimately, his lungs, heart, kidney, and liver failed. But wow, did Heath and his medical team fight hard!

He had a rare condition called GPA (which used to be called Wegener’s but apparently he was a Nazi. Hence the name change.) But the vasculitus expert at Dell Seton doesn’t think that was the cause of the bleeding.

This is weighing most heavily it seems on our boys. Would you be willing to pray that they’ll see God at work through this? May we all run toward the One who’s lovingly in charge and not run away. 

As Heath says, “This isn’t our sandbox. We do what God wants.”

Thank you, friends. Through tears, I thank you immensely.

Newest Update

July 03, 2022

Journal entry by Megan Johntz —

This day is Heath’s birthday. Usually, we’d mingle it with Ben’s nearby birthday and our nation’s. Pizza, near beer, backyard fireworks, “torpedo catch” in the pool with the boys, watching the valley fill with professional and personal firework shows late into the evening. Cicadas and a cooing nighttime bird we’ve not been able to identify. 
He loved so many, and I know he’d want you to simply smile today for him, and then pour your hearts into loving God and others. Happy first birthday in Heaven, Heath!
Read More of the journal titled "July 03, 2022"
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