Mrs. and Mr. Arras

Mr. and Mrs. Arras just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. The secret to a happy marriage? “Forgiveness.” Throughout their time together, they’ve faced many challenges, but they’ve always stood strong in hope and faith. 

It all started five years ago with a cough. After several rounds of testing, Mr. Arras was diagnosed with fibrosis, but they could not determine the cause. Eventually, after seeing specialists at UAB, they realized that his arthritis was actually attacking his lungs. Mr. Arras signed up for multiple research studies across the country and tried experimental prescriptions, but he still needed to be on the transplant list. He was told by one doctor that he only had 3-5 years to live. UAB specialist Dr. Hoopes had a brighter outlook. 

He performed the surgery in late June, and Mr. Arras was quickly up and about, walking down the hospital hallways. He was required to walk at least a mile unassisted in order to leave the hospital, and he quickly was walking 2 miles every day. They were relieved to get an RMG apartment after staying in a camper nearby for a week. They could finally cook their homemade deer sausage and sleep in a comfortable bed. Mr. Arras continues to improve quickly, but he says, “I thank God every day when I wake up.” 

They have 1 child, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, so they are excited to go back home and visit Dauphin Island. An avid fisherman and hunter, Mr. Arras is glad “he got his life back.” He had previously not been able to walk across a room without needing oxygen, and now they take daily walks at Veteran Park. 

Red Mountain Grace is proud to support families like these. We are able to only charge guests $10 a night due to generous donors. Would you consider joining The Neighborhood by making a monthly gift? It makes an incredible difference in the lives of people facing life-threatening illnesses by providing a comfortable place to rest.