Grace's Guardians

My friends, the DeSchepper family (Mark, Katie Beth, Logan and Grace) have had a rough road since December 8th when Grace went into surgery for her heart condition.  We all hoped this was going to be a 3-4 day stay at the hospital and then we’d be good to go.  But since then little Grace has had to endure a lot… 3 surgeries and many tests and unpleasant side effects.  I now cringe whenever I hear the word “ventilator” (thank goodness those days are over).  As any of you know that have been faced with any illness in your family that requires a long term treatment plan, there are always expenses that come up that you may not have planned for.  Some of those may include extra medical expenses (treatment and meds) not covered by insurance, childcare needs for other children, occupational therapy, and even everyday expenses such as groceries, housecleaning, etc that get overlooked as priorities have changed.  Even the cost of gas and meals going back and forth to the hospital can add up.  Anyone that knows Katie Beth and Mark knows that their children are their world and it’s been difficult deal with their "new normal" at the hospital while juggling work and family responsibilities.  All of this can add up to a lot of expenses and financial burden. I have set this fund up for those (like myself) who are struggling with what to do to help alleviate even a little bit of the stress they are under right now.  Whether you live close or far away this is a way for us all to come together to tell this special family that we are thinking about them and Grace’s fight – that we believe their strength and faith will get them through this rough patch and that this will be one bump in a long healthy life for baby Grace. Please consider making a donation, big or small, and please share with anyone who wants to help.  The DeScheppers also want you to know that once they feel the funds have helped them over this difficult time the remaining portion of these funds will also help the local Down Syndrome Guild in Kansas City.