David's Medical Expenses

Hi, my name is Teresa Okerlund. My cousin, David Barnes, is one of the kindest, hardest working, people I know. He would do anything for anyone! He works with people who are suffering mental illness and has so much patience for them. He has worked as a mental health, registered nurse for years. He is a loving husband and father to 4 children. For several weeks (4-6) Dave hadn't been feeling great but attributed it to some new meds that he started in April or May. He started cutting back on the meds to try to figure out what was causing his symptoms, but hadn't really felt significantly better. The night before attending his dad's memorial service on August 3, 2023, he felt awful and told his sister that he needed to get some labs done. After the service, he got some labs done; which indicated abnormal liver function numbers, so a CT was also done. This CT unfortunately showed that he has innumerable spots in his liver along with some spots on his lungs and pelvis that are indicative of cancer. Dave and Theresa started making plans to have an oncology appointment in SF on Aug 7, but they wanted labs done again to check levels so he had labs done early Friday afternoon. In less than 24 hours, his bilirubin level went from 8 to 11 so the oncology clinic recommended being admitted to the hospital. They started in their local town at the ER and were able to transfer to Sioux Falls by 6:30pm Friday, August 4. At this point they knew it was something serious but were still quite hopeful.

After more testing, Aug 5, including blood work and an MRI, they learned that the cancer had also spread to his brain. Biopsy was not definitive but chemo was started. A lot can change in just a few days. After the good day on Monday, August 21st, Dave started to decline significantly each day. His body just can't fight anymore. They decided on August 24th that he will be put on hospice and kept comfortable. Dave, passed away on August 26th. Theresa is now transitioning to be the only income. Any prayers and support you can give Theresa and the kids to help with medical and funeral expenses would be appreciated.

From Dave's caring bridge site before they decided to start hospice. Just to show the kind, appreciative person he is.

This is Dave Barnes writing.

I can't thank you all enough for all the visitors, prayers and support, financial suport, etc. that I had this weekend. It sure makes life a lot more peaceful and makes time pass when in the hospital. I definitely felt a lot of love from so many people this weekend. One forgets how many connections they have made over the years, hearing from High School friends, college friends. People who knew my when I was a baby even. Please continue to pray for a miracle whether it's directly through Jesus, or the smart and specially trained medical staff that is working with me. I will be fighting and I believe in miracles. Especially please keep my wife and kids in your prayers as this is a major transition for them as well as our lives will never be the same.

I'll sign off for now with a few verses that I came across.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Romans 8:48 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Dave Barnes