Distler-Whiteley Family Medical Expenses

Hi, my name is Bonni - mom, grandma, or Meemo!

I am starting this GoFundMe to raise money to assist the Distler-Whiteley family with major medical expenses in the past year.

Many of you know that this all started when one of the boys "blew his knee out" during a basketball game last year (May 2021). Physical Therapy before and after surgery, plus the cost of the surgery, has left the family with a very large balance to pay.

Little brother had emergency surgery 64 days after his older brother. Once again, this surgery left the family with a substantial balance.

The oldest boy recently (May 28, 2022) was diagnosed with appendicitis. It wouldn't have been so bad, but due to his ongoing Crohns, the appendix ruptured and then developed a large abscess! He spent five days in the hospital, and after discharge, he had to travel to Salem each day for daily antibiotic infusions. Also, because of his Crohns, they have to deal with a ruptured appendix differently than they normally do ... no immediate surgery! They have to wait for his body to be clear of the infection. As you all are well aware, gas is not cheap these days! He was able to go two weeks before landing back in the hospital with another abscess, which then put him back to traveling to Salem daily. He still faces surgery to remove the burst appendix.

While on vacation in Arizona, the one with the blown knee became ill and had to visit an ER in Las Vegas! Not fun for any of us, that is for sure. So that means another medical bill coming to this family. Due to this ER visit, he has had follow-up doctor visits and procedures.

The twins are no longer in remission with their Crohns, which means daily medications. These medications are NOT cheap.

There is medical insurance with a very high deductible, and then the insurance only pays 80%, leaving the family paying the other 20%. The burden on the family has become astronomical in the past year due to these unforeseen emergencies.

The money raised to help this family with their astronomical medical expenses will pay off the medical bills and give them some money for the gas expenditure for traveling to the infusion center in Salem.

This family does everything they can for those in need within their tiny farming community, and they don't like to ask for help from anyone. However, as the grandparent to these boys, I know how much they struggle financially to keep food on the table, gas in the cars (so they can continue to work) and school expenses for two college students and a middle school student.

We appreciate anything and everything you can give. Please share with your family and friends.