Spence Family Support

As many of you know my mom, Shelly, has had a series of health complications over the past year which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome. The main symptoms and issues she’s had from both have primarily attacked her lungs and she has had to rely on constant oxygen support. Her team have been trying to find the best treatment options for her to help combat the autoimmune disorders that are the root cause.

Unfortunately, this past week Shelly went from having a cold to being admitted at Avita Ontario for what we thought was pneumonia. On Monday night she went into respiratory distress and was emergently intubated. After running some tests, she was diagnosed with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) which is a very scary diagnosis. She was then life flighted to Ohio State for a higher level of care to give her a fighting chance at healing her lungs and beating this.

Anyone who knows my Mom knows how much of a spitfire she is. She has been fighting like hell. I received a phone call the morning she was intubated from the nurse telling me they couldn’t get her oxygen saturations out of the 60’s and she wasn’t confident she would make it through the day, she told me to immediately get on a plane if I could. She proved that nurse wrong and made it through the day. She has coded twice and recovered and she’s taking steps towards weaning her oxygen and ventilator settings. The support, prayers, and love we have received has been unbelievable and I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful we are for that. I know my Mom can feel it as well.

This was extremely unexpected. My Dad and I are not able to work while things are so critical. As well as the countless medical expenses that are soon to come. Anything will help.