Rev. David White's Road to Recovery!

As many are aware, Rev. David White and his wife, Donna, pastors of First Baptist Church Lowell, have faced numerous health obstacles over the past 12 weeks.

To summarize, David was hospitalized on September 3, 2022, due to a painful sore that appeared on his left foot. At the time, David was experiencing significant pain, swelling, and redness, which evolved into a severe infection that spread throughout the bone and bloodstream. Even after multiple rounds of antibiotics and various medications, the infection in the bone was past the point of being healed. Unfortunately, it resulted in the need for amputation of his toe. This was a sudden progression from “watch-and-see" to being told that amputation surgery was needed immediately to save his foot, resulting in a five-night stay at CaroMont Regional in Gastonia.

During this hospitalization, a routine auscultation was performed and David was informed that there was an abnormality regarding the sound of his heart. An ultrasound was ordered, and it was determined that David suffered from artery and valve complications, specifically a severely damaged mitral valve and torn chordae tendinae. David was eventually released from the hospital to recover and was ordered not to return to work for six weeks. He was also scheduled to follow up with the Cardiologist to address further the heart complications they had just learned about. After additional tests and another ultrasound of his heart, a Cardiologist confirmed David’s diagnosis. Due to the severity of the damaged valve, he was urgently scheduled for open-heart surgery on November 1, less than one month after his amputation surgery. We are praising God to report that his open-heart surgery was successful, as the surgeons were able to make the necessary valve repairs, and there was no need to replace it. David spent two days in ICU and was then moved to a regular room on the heart floor of CaroMont. During his stay in the hospital, David experienced complications such as AFib, fluid on his heart and swelling, but was ultimately able to come home with the stipulation of having a home health nurse to aid in rehabilitation and recovery. We thank God for a positive overall outcome in regards to David’s surgery and the repair of the damaged mitral valve.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, “when it rains it pours," amid David’s health complications, Donna suffered a severe injury to her knee after a sudden fall. An MRI has confirmed that she has a torn meniscus and will require surgery to repair it. Due to David’s unexpected open-heart surgery, Donna has had to postpone the procedure as she is the primary caregiver for David during this time. As you might expect, the long days of assisting with David’s recovery while in a great amount of pain, have been physically taxing for her. Donna has meniscus repair surgery scheduled for December 21st, so we are asking for fervent prayers that God will grant her strength and relief from the pain until surgery can be completed.

In addition to David being a full-time pastor at FBC Lowell, David is also employed at T-Force Freight (formerly UPS Freight), where he also holds a full-time lead position and is entering his 39th year with the company. Due to his recent health complications, David’s physicians have ordered that he not return to work until after the new year, given that no other concerns arise and he is cleared to do so. As you can imagine, this news was unexpected and devastating, mentally, physically and financially. Being told you can't return to work for a week can be stressful enough, much less for a minimum of four months. David has been placed on short-term disability compensation during his time away from his job. As we all know, short-term disability only covers a small percentage of the income lost when placed on medical leave. This significantly strains one’s finances, especially when additional medical expenses have been and continue to be accrued. Numerous doctor visits, two lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, imaging tests, home health care, purchasing of ergonomic seating and medical supplies necessary to facilitate recovery, prescription medications, etc., are just a few of the examples of medical expenses that David and Donna are facing.

With all this being said, the Whites have been surrounded by many loving family members, friends, church members and co-workers, who have rallied around David and Donna these past several months. Whether picking up and dropping off medications, leaving grocery items at their back door, providing warm meals several days in a row, or sending cards offering warm thoughts and prayers, they have greatly felt the love of each act of kindness shown. They have expressed countless times that they couldn't have made it through this time of difficulty without their family and friends, and they are forever grateful for those who have supported them each day.

Many, out of a spirit of concern, have asked how they can contribute financially to help lessen the burden of these newly acquired expenses. The family has decided to use the Go Fund Me platform as a means to share their story and as an avenue to assist with their medical bills and loss of income. David and Donna have spent the greater portion of their lives in ministry, serving in a multitude of areas, pastoring churches and shepherding others. If you have had the pleasure of knowing either of them, even if only for a short amount of time, you have had the opportunity to witness their selflessness and compassion for helping others. We believe it is our time to show that same token of love toward them that they greatly deserve during these unfortunate circumstances.

If you feel led to donate to their cause, any amount helps amid their current situation. Whether you can or cannot give at this time, we most importantly ask that you continue to lift up David and Donna in your prayers. We love each of you and sincerely thank you for your love and support for our family! God bless you all!