Chloe Update 10/1/26
Friends, thank you so much for your continued love, support, and prayers.
I want to share a more substantive update, as I know some may not have read every update. Plus, we have a huge praise report!
Here’s the story so far - Chloe was hospitalized in June due to extremely high fevers (over 105) that lasted weeks, inflamed and painful joints, and scary blood results. We stayed for several days, didn’t find many answers, but we were discharged as the fever was under control. She was still very sick after the hospital, and we were left to kind of fend for ourselves for answers. This was probably the lowest point for us. We had a desperately sick kid who was losing weight and struggling to move.
God provided an incredible specialist (Dr. Failing) in Fargo, North Dakota, who has been our champion. After several tests, Chloe was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (or SJIA), which is a rare auto-inflammatory disease.
In July, we began treatment with a daily injectable (anakinra), which works to help her immune system calm down. After we got over the fear of the shots (Thank you, Kayla!) We saw pretty incredible results. The fevers completely stopped, and Chloe began gaining weight again. Several of her joints improved as well, but slowly.
Dr. Failing suggested surgery (steroid injections) to help with pain in the infected joints, but Chloe continued to make progress, and the Surgeon determined the surgery was not necessary. This was at the start of September.
Since then, Chloe has regressed slightly. Her joints (particularly her wrists and fingers) are still quite arthritic. We’ve learned this is “normal,” as her body has acclimated to the anakinra; it is less effective. However, we need to get the swelling under control to prevent long-term damage. Therefore, under the advisement of our Dr, Chloe is starting a new oral medication to be used in conjunction with anakinra. The new drug is methotrexate. She will be on a low dose, and the doctor is confident it will help.
However, there are side effects. She will most likely be extremely nauseous and sick. Please pray - all of us are a bit nervous about this.
At the same time, we’ve started taking Chloe to another Dr. who is doing some food allergy tests and helping in other ways to help support Chloe’s body (food sensitivities that could be contributing to the inflammation).
I shared this last time, and I’ll share it again: we’re all struggling emotionally and with fatigue. Chloe has been a trooper, but has started to really “feel” everything. Ariana and I often find ourselves crying most nights as we pray for our daughter. We continue to look for a new normal, yet know that reality is likely a year away.
Now, the praise report: God has been our incredible provider. Friends, your financial support has literally allowed us to get the care we need for Chloe. We’ve had insane bills and expenses, but God has seen to it that we were cared for every step of the way.
Beyond the money you all had raised, we had a significant outstanding balance with Sanford. Our friend, Sarah W, suggested applying for financial relief through Sanford. It was a long, tedious process, but Ariana tracked down all the details.
Here’s the big one, friends: Sanford just forgave the outstanding balance from the hospital stay!
We are praising God!
At the moment, our only outstanding medical debt is to the Viborg Hospital (Pioneer Medical), as they are independent of Sanford, and there are some outstanding bills that insurance won’t cover. All in, we’re looking at only having about $4000 outstanding. While there will be ongoing medical expenses, doctor’s appointments, and the like in the future, this is a HUGE relief for us.
Thank you, each one of you, for praying and giving so that we can be present with Chloe and not consumed with fear and burdened by the financial debt. Thank you!
Prayer Requests:
Pray for Chloe to be healed. Pray that her body responds to the medication with little to no side effects. Pray that there would be no long-term damage. Pray that remission would come soon! Pray for her emotional health and mental health. Pray for her faith to be strengthened.
Pray for me, Titus, and Ariana. We’re all so worn down.
Praise Jesus for financial provision! And would you pray that the remaining ~$4000 would be covered?
Thank you all!
