On January 5th, 2022, Jean brought Robby to the ER because he couldn't catch his breath. Since the 3rd day at the ICU, for 2 weeks Robby was on a ventilator and receiving nutrients through a feeding tube while the medical teams research his condition. Robby has Type 1 diabetes and suffered a few infections over the holidays before arriving at the ICU. At earlier moments Jean could see that Robby responded to a voice or the sounds of their daughter's names. All of this is very overwhelming.

Jean continues to work hard to manage Robby's care, stay connected with medical professionals who are helping to look for answers, emotionally navigate life and support their three beautiful daughters. 

Update 2/7: Robby passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on Friday evening, February 4, 2022. We are so sad. He is missed. We pray for Robby. We pray for Jean, Sarah, Carissa and Kyra.

Update 2/3: Robby is in palliative care and is experiencing multi-organ failure. He has since moved from the ventilator and received a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. Cobra medical insurance has been secured for the whole family which is effective January 1. 

Jean medically retired from corporate work due to spinal collapse & regular migraines in 2015. She’s disabled & can no longer work full time. During her career, Jean became a certified professional coach, she now works on a limited basis, with others to transform their lives, too. 

 

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for your kindness and generosity to the Miller Family during this time of need. Please check back here for updates or follow along on the Caring Bridge site. The family can feel your prayers and the collective embrace of this beautiful community.

 

Katharine & Kelsey

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A modified excerpt from the first Journal Entry on the Caring Bridge written by Jean after the first week of his hospitalization:

 

Early the morning of January 5, Robby asked me to take him to the ER because he couldn’t catch his breath. His first diagnosis was high acid. Shortly after that, doctors noticed both sides of his face didn’t match. His words were hard to understand, and he was starting to choke. Robby was immediately admitted. MRI revealed no stroke.

• By day 2 - he couldn’t speak or swallow but could write a little and nod; overnight, he lost those abilities, and his jaw locked

• Day 3 - Robby was intubated/put on a ventilator and given pain and muscle relaxants. Believe it or not, his will was still strong, and he responded to me! Robby received the anointing of the sick from Father Fein.

• Day 4 - was a little rougher, as he was more sedated less responsive. Nutrition began! MRIs repeated, no change. Dad, Robby’s father, is a rock of support for our entire family. So grateful for Christmas together after two long years.

• Day 5 - Diagnosis of Brain Injury of unknown origin, inflammation affecting the nerves. The team continues to rule out MS, Guillain-Barre, other infections. Begin a new protein infusion treatment

• Day 6 - Treatment continues, as well as medications + nutrition.

• Day 7 - Day off from treatment, Robby seems aware when I enter his room, his eyes open ever so slightly. Nutrition stops as Robby gets sick overnight.

 

Caring Bridge Site - please add your hearts, comments and well wishes!: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robbyfammanfriend