Joe’s Story

Site created on October 8, 2019

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.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Gerri Benfield

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3: 20-21. 

Gerri here.  It's been a whirlwind couple of days since Daddy was transported to Columbia.  Bypass surgery is not an option.  He is currently in the process of being evaluated for an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)...in layman's terms a mechanical heart.  There is an extensive process with many, many tests and evaluations before a surgery date can be determined.  We are hopeful the surgery will be the later part of next week.  The team of nurses and doctors here have been amazing.  We know he is in the right place.  

Please continue to pray that 1.  Daddy's kidney numbers would continue to come down.  They need to be normal for the surgery to take place.  2.  His Impella (temporary ventricular support device) would come out today.  He has been laying on his back for 10 days now with this device.  If it comes out then he can sit up.  Also, if this device comes out then his kidneys could improve faster.  3.  Good results from all of the cat scans, ultrasounds, and all of the other tests they must do before the surgery can take place.  

We appreciate all of the love, support, offers to help and most importantly prayers.  

Fun Fact--Joe and Ginger met at a Westside school football game when they were 15 years old (November 6, 1964 to be exact).  They've been inseparable since.  They've lived in SC most of their lives but also lived in the Philippines and Sacramento, CA while Joe was in the Air Force.  They have 3 children (Rikki, Dock and Gerri), 3 bonus children (Courtney, Becca and Eric), 8 grandchildren (Jess, Hunter, Hannah, Jenna, Gunnar, Peyton, Trey and Savannah) and 1 great grandchild (Harlow).  
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