Rachael's Memorial Fund

The outpouring of support and encouragement has been the light in this extremely dark time. Many have shown support and offered help in numerous ways, and the offers have yet to cease. Rachael was admitted into Lawrence Memorial Hospital on January 11, 2014 with life threatening complications from H1N1. The following morning Rachael was intubated and given a 20% chance of survival. We held out hope for 8 grueling days that Rachael would beat the odds and recover. On Monday, January 20, day 9 in the hospital, we were told it was only a matter of time; probably the end of the week and Rachael would be gone. Yet that afternoon our hopes and prayers were answered and she received a transfer to St. Luke's Hospital where she is currently on ECMO and dialysis. ECMO oxygenates the blood, doing the work her lungs are unable to do and buys Rachael the time necessary for her lungs to heal. She is on day 24 of ECMO. Over the last few days Rachael has been less sedated and responding to simple commands. Her lungs still need time to heal and she could be on ECMO for another 20 days, easily. After ECMO, Rachael will have to go to a rehab facility to wean her off of the ventilator, then yet another rehabilitation facility to learn to swallow, sit up, feed herself, etc. We are hopeful Rachael will be home by April, however, she will unlikely be capable of returning to work for at least a year. This fund will help cover Rachael's living expenses, medical bills, etc. allowing her to return to her home and be provided the time necessary for her to recover. Any help in alleviating the burden of this traumatic experience is more than appreciated. Most importantly, please continue sending your loving and healing energy, thoughts, and prayers her way. Much Love!!