Kenneth & Debbie Seigel, Huntertown, IN

Our family joined Christian Healthcare Ministries in 1993 when we had two sons, Roman and Alexander. Since then we’ve experienced various medical incidents, including hemorrhoids; appendicitis; broken bones; accidents; gallbladder issues; Angelman syndrome; kidney stones; and my pregnancies with our five daughters—Olivia, Julia, Arianna, Victoria and Sophia.. We’re grateful to CHM members for sharing nearly $90,000 to help us with these many expenses. 

Two of our daughters—Arianna and Victoria—at age six were each diagnosed with scoliosis. After researching our options, we decided to use an alternative treatment method designed to stop the disease’s progression. It was incredibly time-consuming (15 hours per week) and we continued the treatment for several years until other crises entered our lives. 

Without treatment, the scoliosis progressed. We knew that our daughters would need surgery in order to live longer. (Severe scoliosis can shorten lifespan by up to 20 percent because it affects internal organs and rib cage rotation.) 

We found a remarkable surgeon who practices medicine about two hours away from where we live. Arianna underwent spinal fusion surgery in June 2012 and spent three weeks in the hospital. 

Due to the severity of her spinal curve, she spent the first two weeks wearing a halo traction brace to gradually stretch her vertebrae column. That was the most difficult time because her pain grew worse daily despite taking pain medication. In most cases, doctors have to check up on young patients to make sure they continue the treatment. Arianna, however, was tough and very brave. 

Arianna’s medical bills totaled $345,504; the hospital bill alone was more than $300,000. Thankfully, with a lot of help from CHM, the hospital bill was reduced by 77 percent. Overall we received $251,948 in discounts and the remaining balance ($93,556) was shared by CHM members! 

God’s grace and strength—with some instrumental help from CHM—carried us through this ordeal. God is good all the time!