Caring for a Child When the Climate Is Making Him Sick

Balancing a military career and home life with three kids is no problem for marine gunnery sergeant Will and his wife Rosa.  They’ve had plenty of practice. Will has deployed six times and counting.  

Will explains, “She was able to basically rock it while I was gone and not skip a beat.”
    
The couple carries a greater burden than the average family because their son suffers from cystic fibrosis, a rare, progressive genetic disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Their daily routine includes multiple in-home lung treatments, a special diet, and countless supplements.
         
Rosa says, “from morning to night it's a constant regiment between his pills and his supplements, it is so exhausting.”
        
It places a strain on this military family’s budget too. Lincoln’s supplements are not covered by insurance. Plus, each time they transfer to a new duty station, they pay hundreds to prep their new home to create a sanitized environment for Lincoln.

Rosa says, “We get the ducts cleaned. And then we also set up a full house water filtration system.”
        
Will adds, “all the air purifiers for the house, it adds up pretty quickly.”
        
When they transferred to Texas, they prepped their home as usual.  But Lincoln quickly became very sick. After racking up thousands in medical expenses and hospital stays, doctors confirmed Lincoln couldn’t tolerate the Texas climate.  The Marine Corps granted the family an emergency medical transfer. By then, the couple had depleted their savings and had to shell out money to prep their new home in California. Financially, they could barely hold on.
        
Will says, “It is only my income covering both the adults and both children. I definitely think about the financial hardships that we do face.”
        
Despite their difficult circumstances, Will and Rosa stood on their faith that God would sustain them.

Rosa says, “He gives us the strength to keep going every day.”
        
Their financial burden was lifted when North Coast Church asked Helping the Home Front to step in.  Pastor Brian Muche started by telling the couple CBN was reimbursing them for the cost of preparing their home when they came to California.  He also told them, CBN was covering the cost of all medical expenses they incurred in Texas.
        
Rosa says, “that’s amazing. We are so thankful for that, thank you."
        
Pastor Brian says, “That's not it, you guys!  For the next year, CBN is going to cover all expenses when it comes to your son's dietary and respiratory needs, and all of the supplements that come with that."

Rosa says, “Oh my gosh. That's amazing! That’s so great. Thank you.” 

Will continues, “It absolutely takes the weight off and the worry off.” 
        
Will and Rosa are now financially back on their feet and are focusing on their family, rather than worrying about money. 

Rosa concludes, “We are so grateful to CBN and the people who give to CBN. We appreciate you guys lifting up our family and how much this will change some huge expenses in our life.”