On February 9th, our dear sister Mary Wickersham checked into a hospital in Denver for heart valve replacement surgery. What started as an already major surgery instead turned into two open-heart surgeries within 24 hours, followed by a herculean effort by hospital staff to transport Mary to University Hospital (with her chest cavity still open) 2 days later to await a new heart. Miraculously, a heart became available the same day she was placed on the donor list, and Mary underwent heart transplant surgery the next day, on February 14th.

As it turns out, Valentine's Day was a great day to receive a new heart! The surgery was a success and Mary spent the next week-and-a-half recovering in the ICU, with husband Brad and daughters Molly and Brigid by her side. Mary has made tremendous progress and is out of the ICU and will soon be released to a rehab facility to regain her strength and mobility. We anticipate she will finally return home in the week(s) following.

Once home, Mary's recovery will continue for several months, and her ability to work will be limited. With continued care needed, Brad's ability to work will also continue to be impacted. As you might imagine, the cost of receiving not one, not two, but three major heart surgeries, plus extended time in the ICU, is immense. As close family members, we initiated this GoFundMe account to help Mary and Brad focus 100% on Mary's recovery without the worry of looming hospital bills not covered by insurance and accumulating household bills. If you are able to help, any donation would be greatly appreciated. You can also support Mary by sending her cards, balloons, or simple well wishes at the hospital, rehab center, or at home when she returns. Even just sending a text message will lift her spirits.

Please consider sharing this post with others who may know Mary or are familiar with the great work she has done to help rebuild crumbling public schools in Colorado. We are so grateful for Mary's miracle heart and look forward to watching her do more good for her community!