( Editor’s note: This story was submitted by Maitland Woody of Kingfisher Action Team.)

Four years ago, Emily and Michael Zingg moved from Michigan to Oklahoma to be closer to family after a devastating car accident changed their lives forever.

Emily’s injuries required 24/7 care, so they moved in with her parents, Mark and Mary Westman.

Mark works at WBC and is the pastor at Cashion Christian Church, where their family has found incredible strength and community.

Emily Zingg is currently facing a high-risk pregnancy while managing serious and permanent medical conditions. Her first child was born prematurely due to life-threatening complications, and she later survived a catastrophic uterine rupture that required major abdominal reconstruction.

In 2021, a traumatic brain injury resulted in additional long-term conditions, including MCAS, which causes severe reactions to common foods, medications, and hospital materials.

Because of this, all of her food must be specially prepared, and any hospital stay poses significant danger.

Now 32 weeks pregnant, Zingg has been placed on repeated bedrest as her medical team works toward a hopeful 36-week delivery.

Her scheduled C-section is expected to take 4–5 hours, and due to previous surgical damage, her abdomen cannot be fully closed.

As a result, she will face lifelong hernia risks, a permanent lifting restriction and an extended recovery lasting 10–12 weeks or longer without bending or lifting.

Her ongoing medical expenses exceed $1,400 per month, not including the specialized equipment and supplies required throughout this pregnancy.

ICU care for Emily and a possible NICU stay for the baby are anticipated, and the associated hospital bills may exceed insurance coverage.

The Kingfisher Action Team will host a fundraiser to assist the Zingg family on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kingfisher High School before the band concerts.

A benefit dinner will be served in the cafeteria, featuring pulled pork sandwiches smoked by K&L, coleslaw donated by Smokehouse Collective, and beans and mac & cheese prepared by Sunrise Café.

A silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be located in the APB lobby. Everyone is encouraged to stay afterward for band performances by the KUE, junior high, and high school programs in the gym.

Donations may also be made by writing checks to the Kingfisher Action Team and delivering them to Equity Bank. To ensure the funds support Emily, please write “Emily Zingg” in the memo line.