A Rare Disorder Left Her Family Facing Mounting Medical Bills

Guardsman Rick knows first-hand about helping people. He has served in air-search-and-rescue for the Coast Guard for 12 years.      

Rick explains, “going to help people is the main reason most people sign up to do the job. If they see an airplane coming over, that feeling that they get is what you do the job for. For people to know that there's somebody that'll come find them.”

His wife Elena adds, “his job is rewarding and I’m very proud to be his spouse.”

Elena stays at home with their three daughters.  Rick says, “she's managed the household as good as you would ever want any wife to do the job. She's the one at home doing all the real work.       

When Elena was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune deficiency, the family faced financial hardship because Elena was allergic to treatments covered by military insurance.  The alternative treatments are out-of-pocket, and expensive.

“it's a huge stress”, explains Rick. “I know that whatever I have to do to support the family financially, I’ll find a way. Keeping our heads above water is my main concern.”    

The couple relies on their faith in God to get them through.    

Elena says, “when you're struggling so much, that's all you have. It is your faith to hang on to. And I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for my faith in Christ.”     

When their pastor, with Darby Community Church, learned that they were struggling, he contacted Helping the Home Front.   Pastor Mark came by to tell them some big news.     

Pastor Mark says, “they're going to be paying two months of your mortgage, which will hopefully free up your own finances to pay for those medical expenses that you guys have going. So very grateful for Helping the Home Font and their partnership and that the Lord is using them as His hands and feet to bless you guys and to provide your needs.    

Rick says, “thank you so much and thank you for being here for us. You've helped me along the way personally. So thank you for that.”

Elena adds, “yeah. Pastor Mark, you're not just our pastor, you're also our friend.”      

Elena immediately started her medical treatments and is now on her way to recovery thanks to CBN Rick concludes, “we are very grateful to Helping the Home Front. We are very thankful to all the people that donate. Not just for us, but for other families that need help too. All the people that need help that, you know, they don't know where to turn, you guys are there for them. So, we're very thankful.