This is a fundraiser for Janet and Stephen Brinkhaus whose lives changed forever on August 27th, 2022 when Jan was rushed to the hospital in Alamosa, CO by her sister Kate. Jan suffered a life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage and could no longer be Stephen’s 24/7 caregiver.

Jan arrived in CO Springs via helicopter for emergency brain surgery and was placed on life-support in the ICU where she remained for 3 weeks before being transferred to a neurological unit. She transitioned off the ventilator and feeding tubes but continues to battle pain due to bleeding that reached the dura space of her spinal cord and problems with breathing/speaking due to prolonged use of the ventilator.

On October 12th, Jan started acute rehab and was discharged on October 21st. Kate (Jan's sister) helped Janet transition to a family home. Jan receives round-the-clock care from Kate who is overseeing home health therapies, meds, pain management, breathing treatments, etc. Jan will most likely be in the Nagel's home (sister Ellen & brother-in-law, Gary) for at least 6 months. 

Stevo remained in the home he shared with Jan and is being cared for by a loving family friend who stepped up to care for Stephen at a moment's notice. We are deeply indebted to him for doing this. Thank you, Jim!

Janet's oldest son, Tristan, and his wife, Amanda, and their 4 kids are working round-the-clock to renovate a home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, so that Stephen can be permanently transitioned to their family home. They will assume the long-term responsibility of caring for him and getting him services in Oklahoma.

Many loving friends and family have brought comfort, love, prayers and support during this time, for which we have all been tremendously grateful. Thank you, dear friends, for the love poured out on our family and for the kindnesses you have shown to us all. Your generosity of heart and spirit has been uplifting and so encouraging!

During these past months, many have asked, "How can I help?"

Detailed below are some answers to that question:

• Prayers for health, transition and re-location, and for courage, stamina, wisdom
• Emails, letters, cards, notes of encouragement to Jan and to Stevo (he can text with iPhone users; Jan still doesn't have a phone after hers went missing at the hospital). This has been a difficult adjustment for Stephen and obviously for Jan. Loving friends reaching out to them means a great deal. Stroke and recovery is a long, often hidden, journey; it is made less arduous by loving support. 
• Sending small gifts to encourage and brighten their new home spaces. For Jan: candles, flowers, scenic calendar/photographs. For Stephen: essential oils/infuser products, nature photography to put on his wall, battery-operated candles.
• Financial support for on-going costs related to Janet’s and Stephen’s re-location and medical recovery and support.

Both Janet and Stephen have and will incur numerous uncovered costs during the next six months:

• 24/7 caregiving for Stephen Aug 28-present: $5,000
• Stephen's travel and related moving expenses to be transported to OK via car (hotels, food, gas - return trip for driver): $1,500
• Modifications made to Tristan and Amanda's family home (their total cost has been over $30k at this point) - 30k
• 3 months of housing costs for Stephen w/caregiver in Moffat $1,500
• Jan's costs (food, utilities) at Nagel home for 6 months ($500/month):$3,000
• Home modification (installation of railings, bars) at Nagel's $850
• Durable medical equipment and OTC medical supplies for respiratory therapy and pain management: $500
• 5 months of caregiving support for Jan (once she does not need round-the-clock help): estimated 20 hours/week @ $20/hr: $8000

If you are able to help regarding any of the above needs, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You all have been a rock of support for our family in this difficult time, and we are deeply grateful to both you and Our God Who is the giver of life! Jan is our Miracle Girl, and we are so glad she is rising!