Gary Kreis & Family

Dear Friends and Family,

My name is Amber Kreis and I am reaching out with a humble heart in honor of my father, Gary Kreis and the rest of my family. Gary is currently at St. Luke's hospital in Milwaukee undergoing intensive medical care since mid-August of this year.

At 25 years old, Gary had a brain tumor that required radiation. After this treatment, he lived his life until his 60s with no side effects. Two weeks ago, Gary suffered a severe stroke which left him almost entirely paralyzed on his right side. He was admitted and stayed at Aurora Medical Center in Sheboygan in which his symptoms quickly worsened and compounded with other medical concerns. His medical team in Sheboygan could not figure out the source of his worsening symptoms and did not have the proper equipment to continue to find some answers. He experienced various magnitudes of seizures, trouble communicating, and other threatening concerns which prompted his transfer to St. Luke's at the end of August.

We are still waiting for answers at St. Luke's as his incredible neurology team works to make him comfortable, find the root of these complications, and create a plan of treatment for Gary. More detailed updates are posted on a private Facebook group to share Gary's journey.

This season has been exceptionally difficult for our entire family, especially my mother, Jeannine. She is a full-time preschool teacher at a Lutheran (private) school and it is one of her biggest gifts and passions. Jeannine has been staying with Gary full-time in his hospital room since he was transferred to St. Luke's. Because she is a teacher at this private school, she does not have the option to use government family medical leave (FMLA). Jeannine has to deduct $109 every day from her salary to pay for her substitute teacher.

With family visiting back and forth to Milwaukee, paying for my mother's leave, and the countless expenses from growing hospital bills, it is with a humble heart that I ask for financial support for my family during this time. Anyone who knows ANY of us Kreis members personally, should know that asking for help does not come with ease.

The funds collected from this GoFundMe will first be used for my mother's substitute pay so she can be in Milwaukee with my father without having to deduct from her salary. Gary experiences significant anxiety when is wife is not around and Jeannine just wants to be at his side as much as she possibly can. Other funds will be applied to gas and travel so that Noah and I (Gary's children) can visit our father more frequently. Any other financial support will be applied to Gary's medical bills as they are already in the tens of thousands.

We have been met with vessels of God's faithfulness and love throughout this entire journey. From friends and family who take care of Gary & Jeannine's pup, Zoey, simple "check-in" texts or calls, our coworkers who help cover for all three of us to be with our dad and husband, and the overwhelming amount of prayers for Gary and our family. Your compassion, kindness, and Christ-like love have been wrapping around us four this entire time and I promise you it does not go unnoticed.

I cannot thank you enough for reading this entry, your consideration, and any and all prayers you lift up to our Savior. He has a plan and His presence has been made known in countless ways.

Blessings & love to you all,

Amber Kreis