Christian writer Rachel Held Evans remains in a medically induced coma after experiencing severe seizures following treatment for an infection.
In an update posted by her husband, Dan Evans, on April 19 regarding Rachel’s condition, it was revealed that doctors were still attempting to “determine the cause and solution.”
Held Evans, the author of New York Times bestseller, “A Year of Biblical Womanhood” posted on Twitter April 14 that she was in the hospital with the flu and a urinary tract infection.
“If you’re the praying type – I’m in the hospital with a flu + UTI combo and a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics they gave me,” she wrote.
She then made a lighthearted gesture about a TV show she was sad to be missing. Since then, it appears things have become much more serious for the popular writer.
Dan Evans posted another update on April 22, noting that his wife was “still in a medically induced coma” as doctors continued to try and diagnose what was causing her seizures.
“Drs are working to balance her treatment in an attempt to avoid negative effects of the constant seizures but also avoid possible negative effects of any medications used to sedate her and control them,” he wrote.
The next day, he posted another similar update:
“The news today is about the same as yesterday,” he wrote. “Rachel is still in the ICU in a medically induced coma.”
Support pours in as fundraiser launched
Since the concerning news of Held Evans’s condition broke on social media over the weekend, leaders from all corners of the faith community have rallied together in prayer for the author, with many using the hashtag, “#PrayForRHE.”
“She needs our prayers right now,” tweeted president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Russell Moore.
“There is a very small handful of people who have been my friend at every single stage of my public life,” tweeted fellow progressive and author, Jen Hatmaker. “I have some ‘before,’ some ‘after.’ @rachelheldevans has been a true & loyal friend since the 1st day I met her. Her witness is real. Praying for my dear sister.”
Sarah Bessey, another Christian writer who is affiliated with Held Evans, has been instrumental in setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help support the family at this difficult time.
“As her friends, family, loyal readers, and people who love and care about her, this is one way we can help to support, Dan, Rachel, and their children as their lives have been upended,” Bessey wrote in the page description.
“Medical costs are mounting. We want to help with those as well as all the accumulating expenses that even decent medical insurance won’t cover. So many of us would love to do something tangible, like cook a meal or assist with child care, pay for gas to the hospital or clean their house. This is a way for us to gather around the Evanses, making that happen together from many locations around the world.”
So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $65,000.
We will keep you posted with any updates on Rachel’s health — in the meantime, do pray.