Where are they now? A little update on the Orton Family

For those of you who couldn't make it to the 5K, you should know that it was a wonderful success. It was so great to see so many friends of the Ortons gather together, full of excitement, united in purpose and hoping to make a small difference. There were delicious baked goods, gobs and gobs of donated bagels (thank you, Einsteins!!!) and balloons (thank you, Party America!!) and over 80 runners/walkers showing their love and support. The race itself was really challenging, at least for most of us :) There were never-ending inclines and declines. But every single person that started it, finished it. And there, at the finish line, were Jared and Crystal, thanking everyone for their support. It was awesome.


We raised a total of $2655!!!


The next weeks/months were spent applying for financial aid, sorting through seemingly endless bills, and haggling on the phone with hospital directors, dr.s' office billing departments, and customer service representatives. We had NO idea how much power CA$H has with medical creditors--it was amazing! The money we raised from the 5K--the $2655--was miraculously enough to completely pay off 6 separate accounts originally totalling over $9,000!!

And even more amazing is the miracle that happened when Jared and Crystal applied to the Charity Department at Sky Ridge. They had hoped to reduce their bill--it was well over $30,000--by at least half. They found the right representative at the right time, and the Charity Department there has taken extremely good care of them, reducing their biggest bill by over 90%!!

Five months ago the Ortons were facing over $40,000 in medical bills. Today, thanks to your support, your love, your prayers, and amazing charity programs, their TOTAL bill is now $1,700.


Jared's health is 100%. He's still doing what he loves--saving lives--but he's also decided to go back to school, part time, to finish his Bachelor's Degree.

When I asked Crystal if there was anything she wanted to include in this post she replied:
"We are so extremely grateful to all of our family and friends who never stop showing their love and support. We couldn't have gone through all of this without all of your help. We are in awe of the support that has been shown through this rough time and have no words to express how truly grateful we are. Thank you!"