Erik and Roxanne Greene are facing what seems like insurmountable medical expenses related to

brain surgeries in November 2021 and reconstructive surgery March 2, 2022. Erik is a long-term

survivor of childhood cancer, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). However, survival has not

been without lingering and ongoing side effects which have included recurring brain tumors and

skin cancers (most of which manifest on his head). While the tumors have not been malignant,

the sites in which they appear in his brain have impacted his vision, balance, and memory until

they are removed. Cyber knife, and gamma knife “surgeries” and open head surgeries have been

used to remove the tumors. We thank God for the effectiveness of these treatments in Erik's life.

The meningioma at the top of his head that was removed in November 2021 improved his daily

function considerably. However, the surgical wound did not heal as expected, leaving it open and

at risk of infection. The lack of wound closure is a result of multiple treatments for skin cancers

and multiple brain surgeries that have left his scalp malnourished, extremely thin, and without

the blood flow needed for wounds to heal properly. His surgery March 2nd harvested skin,

muscle, and blood vessels from under his right arm (Erik is left-handed) to transplant to his scalp

creating protection for his head and to improve the blood flow to his head that will improve

healing both now and for future surgeries should these be necessary.

This procedure was extensive, and Erik will need to have another surgery in roughly 9 months

with a possible 3 rd surgery a few months after that. The entire process is for the purpose of

improving the blood flow to his head. Of all the surgeries Erik has had, this week's surgery has

been by far the most extensive and intensive. The aftercare for this surgery is extremely

important. Through all of this it's difficult not to consider the blood of the Lamb shed for our

sins and the lifegiving eternal benefit for those who believe. Erik's Dad commented on how

incredible it is that God has made our bodies in such a way as to be able to take one portion of

our body where it is healthy and use it to help a weaker part of our body—a clear example of

how He intends the body of Christ to work together. The Greene and Heck families have been

recipients of such care and we are tremendously grateful.

The current concerns center most especially on Erik's physical and spiritual care. But there is

also an immediate financial need that weigh heavily on both he and Roxanne. Erik relies on

Social Security Disability Income and Medicare insurance. Roxanne works part time as a

medical assistant to help augment their income, but she will be unable to work during Erik's

weeks long recovery as she will be providing the care he needs. Medicare pays 80% after Erik

and Roxanne pay approximately $300/day for the first 6 days of his hospitalization. They are

currently still making payments on their portion of his medical bill from last November, with a

current total of approximately $6,000. The current medical bill is quickly approaching $150,000

and does yet include time he will be in rehab or the bills from his neurosurgeon and plastic

surgeon. Erik will need inpatient rehab to insure he receives proper care for his wounds as well

as the PT and OT to help him gain mobility and increase his strength. Their portion of his

medical costs currently is upwards of $50,000. They attempted to apply for assistance through

Barnes Jewish Hospital but were told because they are not residents of Missouri or Illinois, they

are not eligible.

Our precious church body, Wichita Bible Church, has generously helped Erik and Roxanne.

However, the amount of these hospital costs is well beyond the scope of their ability to help.