The Marsh Family

For those who know and those that don’t know our cousin Michelle Marsh (41 years old)  had severe brain aneurysm and mild stroke on Monday November 4th, 2019. Monday evening just a little after 8pm Michelle was sitting on the couch and all sudden grabbed her head and asked her husband for cold wash cloth, she then told him to call 911. In which he did immediately. As soon as Mike called she started to have a seizure.  Austyn their (19 year old) son rushed out of his room and that’s when Mike threw him the phone so he could communicate to the dispatcher of what was going on. Mike pulled michelle onto her side so she could breathe better.  As he was trying to help Michelle he noticed their son Caleb (9years old) and daughter Makayla (6 years old) were horrified as they watched their mommy lose all bodily functions during her seizure. Shortly thereafter Paramedics arrived Michelle had then stopped convulsing and they were able to get her onto the stretcher. Mike then had Austyn, Caleb and Makayla change into clothes from their PJs and then they got into car and rushed to Walter Reed hospital. While on way Mike called Michelle’s mom Debbie Smith to inform her that they were on way to the hospital. After arriving to Walter Reed the Dr stepped in and asked Mike to step out of room and informed him that Michelle had severe brain aneurysm and a mild stroke. He requested that she needed to get to Riverside Regional Neuro Unit at the Pavilion ASAP.  Mike had already spoken to Dr. Leesch one of Nuero team members. Michelle’s sister Tracy took the kids for the night as Mike proceeded to drive directly to riverside Regional while they were in route transporting Michelle. Mike arrived at regional around midnight, give or take.  Michelle was then taken to SICU, (where she still is today). Mike then spoke to Dr Leesch on phone and he stated that  they would try to relax her for rest on night on meds (sedate her) and then on Tuesday morning they would go in for surgery and coil the Aneurysm if they could. Tuesday morning Michelle went under for surgery. At or about 9pm Mike was able to leave to go home to get the children and get them Ready for the next day .. Wednesday morning Mike put Caleb and makayla on bus. Mike then received a call from DR Salvant, that due to increased pressure on Michelle’s brain they would need consent from Mike to drill a hole in her head to drain blood in brain. Michelle Was placed on life support from November 5 through November 9th.   Up until life support was removed on the 9th Michelle started to slowly improve. Michelle awoke and acknowledge close family members.  It had been a week since the tragedy before kids were able to see their mom and that was filled with mixed emotions but We thank god for both. Tuesday after life support was removed was a good day.  Michelle was very confused (which is normal with this kind of injury) but could talk and recognize some people. On Wed  13th after having more testing of her brain they found out that her beto spasms were high at critical level. Mike then Spoke to Neuro Dr. Ramikrishnan again and she said she would have to go back in brain to find out what was wrong. It was back to stress level high.. On Thursday Nov 14th at 7pm they did another procedure about 2 hours long. They had to enlarge the arteries for drainage. Friday November 15 Michelle was still confused, delirious but could recognize and do a little communication. On Sunday November 17th has been her best day yet. She Sat up eating, and have little to full conversation and recognition.  Monday 18th some set backs which is Expected. They noticed that Michelle had slight fever and was a little more lethargic. They suggested a CT scan and noticed slight build up of pressure. They had conversations about possiblity for what would be the next steps to take. Michelle is Still in high observation phase.  As of now at this point the Drs have no idea or guess as to when she may get out of the hospital, she will most definitely need rehab. They told us she has a very very long road ahead of her.  Mike has been torn between being at the hospital with his wife Michelle and at home with their kids.  Mike is so thankful that his mother flew in town on the 7th from Michigan to help with kids. She leaves Thursday November 21st . Mike is Trying to be so strong for all of the family, but he has had his moments. Mike spends 10-12 hours a day with Michelle not only is Mike at the hospital but so has Michelle’s mother Debbie, sister Tracy and her family, and her brother Kevin. They have all been by her side through out the last 14 days. And Mike is so grateful for all of their support and help.. It’s been really tough few weeks with the kiddos they want their mommy home.. Mike has had to explain in a way that they would understand... “that mommy is sick and she will be home soon as she is able”. The kiddos are strong and ok with spending thanksgiving in the hospital with mommy, but their wish for Christmas is nothing but to have mommy home.. Mike has not been to work since this tragedy happened 14 days ago. Mike works for Builders First Source in Westpoint. He told us that Work has been awesome this whole time.. but with Mike being out of work he is trying to maintain the household.. Know that no money is coming in at this time he is now starting thinking about bills that are coming in.. how will he afford (as soul provider)the kiddos school lunch, field trips, gas money back and from the hospital, toll money, food and just everyday Expense..  We are setting up this to try to help with some of these things.. Not only do they have a long road ahead of them with Michelle recovery, thanksgiving is coming and christmas isn’t to far either. Anything can help. If you can’t donate we totally understand.. If you could please say a prayer for Michelle, mike and her amazing family as they work through this terrible tragedy.. We would also like to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of our heart for the love, support and prayers at this difficult time... God Bless..