Helping out the Startups

On June 7, 2012, Copeland Startup's heart stopped.  He was exactly 20 months old.  Copeland is the son of our dear friends, Will and Lauren.  Will and Lauren lived with us in Arizona for a couple of years as John and Will played baseball together.  The story is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness and divine mercy. I can't do it justice, so if you haven't already been to the Startup's blog to read it in Will's words, please check it out. http://willlaurenstartup.blogspot.com

As of this date, Copeland has been hospitalized for 16 days.  Two weeks of that time were spent in the ICU.  He was transported by ambulance twice, helicopter once, and went through open heart surgery to implant a pacemaker/defibrillator.  He's had heart and brain MRIs, chest xrays, and blood tests.  He is now in a rehabilitation hospital relearning how to sit up, stand, walk, use his arms, regain his language abilities, etc.  The initial estimate on the time he will spend there is three months.  Will is no longer gaining a paycheck as he hasn't been working for 16 days.  In addition, their only car is in Texas (where Will was playing independent baseball), along with all of their belongings.  They are now in Atlanta and need to have their things shipped back to them.

Many people have asked how they can help the Startups in this time of crisis and great need. Praying for their family is the number one way you can help.  Another way is through financial support.  As you can see from the preceding paragraph, they have some big financial needs.  If anyone has ever even been on a trip to the ER without an ambulance, you know the astronomical cost of medical care, let alone ambulance rides and days in ICU.  Will and Lauren are amazing parents and amazing followers of Christ.  Their trust in God and faithfulness through this crisis has been inspiring to me and many people that I know.  They are humble and generous.  If you feel led, please consider donating to Copeland's medical fund.  Any amount would bless them tremendously.  Any donations made go directly to Copeland's care and needs. 

You can donate in one of two ways.  If you'd like to make a deposit into Copeland's fund, you can go to any Bank of America location and make a deposit.  If you are outside of Georgia, you will need an out of state deposit slip. Name: Copeland Startup Account #: 334034302802

Or you can click the donate link and make a donation through Paypal.  Just click the button below.  You can also send money through Paypal using the email address: copelandsfund@gmail.com

Paypal does take a small fee out of the deposits made through them, but it is a very convenient way to donate.  If you want to be sure your full donation without fees goes to the Startups, please go directly to a Bank of America to make your donation.

Thank you so much for all of your prayerful support for their family.  They are so grateful for the tremendous show of care and concern they have received so far.