We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Steve’s Story

Site created on August 24, 2023

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.

This is Ryan and Sarah on behalf of Diane:

Steve and Diane arrived in Athens, Greece on August 23rd. Shortly after arrival, Steve began to experience severe chest and back pain, and he was sweaty and clammy. He was taken to a clinic in Athens where it was eventually discovered that he had suffered a heart attack.

With God's provision, they were connected with Sahar, a missionary in Athens, Greece who is connected with Harbor Church where Steve and Diane's son, Ryan, works in Colorado. Sahar was able to provide comfort, translation, and advocacy. Sahar advised a transfer to a different hospital where she was personally connected to the head of the Cardiac Cath lab. Steve was then transferred to the bigger hospital, where care resumed and Steve was scheduled for surgery at 9:15 Athens time.

The surgeon came out midway through the surgery and said that the situation was very serious and dangerous, but he said that there was no choice… they had to do surgery because open heart wasn’t an option as it has only been 5 months since the last surgery, which was completed in early March and during which 4 stents were placed.

He proceeded with surgery. There was blockage in one of the stents, which caused the heart attack. The doctor placed two more stents and performed a balloon angioplasty in two other arteries to open them up. The surgeon called this a “major intervention.”

The biggest prayer request is that the new stents are stable, there is no more blockage, that the new stents and old four stents will work and the heart will heal… that’s a lot of stents. No more angina.

Praise God for connecting Sahar. The surgeon she connected them with was absolutely amazing. He likely would've died in the smaller clinic, as this was a very serious and dangerous procedure.

They will be staying in Athens until Sept 4/5th. Still not sure of the plan after that.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Diane Lundgren — Sep 15, 2023

Just landed in Newark! Thank you all for your prayers. Steve arm, where they went in to get to his heart, is almost back to normal after 3 weeks. Such a praise! He is also feeling good. Steve has one more week of “no exertion”.

Would love your prayers as we will be in Colorado & Seattle, visiting Lindsey & family before beginning the drive back to Florida the first part of October.

Would you also join us praying for wisdom & discernment as we will be researching how to move forward with Steve’s heart health & finding the right cardiologist.

We had such wonderful 4 days in Mallorca. We are so thankful that Steve felt good this week. We did skip the Catamaran Excursion on Tuesday to stay back and rest out by the pool and have a low key day. The St Regis was such a treat. Mary Kay knows how to spoil us.

Read More of the journal titled "Back in the USA September 15, 2023"

Relaxing by the pool

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Steve Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Steve's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help