Steve before...

Our Wedding day April 18 2009

I realize that we have been meeting people and giving out this website who did not know Steve before he got sick. I wanted to post some pictures of the first year of our marriage, some right before he got sick so you can get a better idea of Steve before....

Steve on our wedding day, April 18 2009

Newly Weds 2009

Steve's 24th birthday (August 2009)

beach camping

New board!

Day 2 Groffs take Arizona!

Love in the cafeteria at the Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale)

Today was day 2 and was another adventerous day at the Mayo clinic! Steve had multiple appointments and the catscan he went through today went well. He is being such a trooper- having such a joy-filled attitude as his itinerary continues to fill for every day. We were there another 9 hours today (8 yesterday) and looking forward to a break this weekend. Steve is excited to sleep and I am looking forward to some much needed sunshine and being 'in nature'. The only 'news' we have receieved is that our trip continues to get extended from 7 days coming out here to 10 days yesterday and now possibly 2 weeks. Please pray that we rest this weekend! Please also pray that Steve gets to sleep and that we can spend some time together and with the Lord to prepare our hearts for this upcoming week. Thank you also for the encouraging texts, voicemails, emails and facebook messages. In between appointments Steve always shows me who commented on the blog or who sent him a rad verse and I see such joy on his face! It is so amazing that God provided us with such an encouraging, supportive and loving community in each and every one of you. 

Peace & Love from Arizona,

Casey & Steve

1st Day at the Mayo Clinic

Steve and I sitting in the sun outside the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ

 

 

Today was our first day of appointments and it was both amazing and overwhelming! We showed up expecting 2-3 appointments and Steve ended up getting tests, procedures and seeing doctors from 7am to 3pm today! The overwhleming part is our itinerary changes after every appointment and Steve has atleast 5 appointments every day through November 4th. The amazing part is that God not only has prepared us in so many ways for this trip but also has provided and continues to provide every day for us in miraculous ways. The Mayo Clinic is great! The doctors and staff are so helpful and the clinic itself is so fast and efficient. Please continue to pray for Steve's health as he has a catscan at 7am tomorrow and tests/ appointments until 4pm. Thanks for the prayers, love and support! We cannot believe how peaceful we felt all day today as we knew so many of you are praying with us and above all else God is with us. Thank the Lord He is Immanuel- God with us! 

Peace & Love, Steve & Casey

The Groff's are heading to the Mayo Clinic!

The one-year anniversary of the start of Steve's undiagnosed illness, when his experience of unexpected pain and other debilitating neurological symptoms started, was last week and this week (Oct 15) marks the first of many overnight hospital stays. 

Steve's first hospital stay October 15, 2010

As many of you know Steve has seen approximately 35 doctors over the past year and has received several referrals to diagnose the underline cause for his severe pain and symptoms. The doctors he has seen include specialists such as Neurologists, Spinal and Neurosurgeons, Radiologists, Oncologists, Infectious Disease Specialists, Chiropractors, headache and Pain Management Specialists and more. He has followed up on every discharge recommendation, undergone invasive testing, scanning and procedures and continues to receive new referrals as his health deteriorates. Steve’s primary physician in Encinitas, California continues to work tirelessly to help Steve manage his pain while trying to refer him to doctors who can offer a viable diagnosis for his current condition. Many doctors have had theories after his initial MRI’s and other tests, which came back abnormal yet most of these theories continue to change or evolve as new tests present new information.

Steve and I before one of his procedures 2011

Steve has been to UCSD in La Jolla, Scripps Memorial in Encinitas, Loma Linda and many more locations for procedures, tests, appointments and hospital stays. Steve’s case has been reviewed and accepted by the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Arizona and we are in the process of preparing to stay out there for a week (or as long as needed) to get testing done and go to his appointments. Our first appointment with the Mayo Clinic is October 27, 2011 through November 4th 2011.

Steve at UCSD ER 2011

We hope and pray to get a diagnosis and treatment plan at the Mayo Clinic and would appreciate your prayers as well! We trust that the Lord will continue to provide for us as He has and believe He has a plan for all of this. Steve has been trusting in the Lord and His promises as he continues his daily battle against excruciating pain. He is such a radical example of faith and never ceases to amaze me every day for this past year as he continues to fight against hopelessness and continues trusting the Lord! I have gotten to truly see God's goodness in all of this suffering because He is right here with us.

"Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall," Psalm 55:22.

Thank you for your love, support and prayers,

Casey & Steve Groff