My sister, Diane Mitchell, went to the hospital experiencing severe abdominal pains on February 20th, 2026. The medical team discovered she had a ruptured appendix and would require emergency surgery. They also discovered her platelets were dangerously low and were unable to do the blood transfusion locally, which meant she would be required to go to Duluth for her surgery. She has many health issues, including COPD and liver failure. She stayed a week in Duluth at St. Mary's. Upon leaving the hospital, they provided her with a diagnosis of Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma.

She also was hospitalized Thursday, April 2nd, with E. coli, a kidney infection, and sepsis.

She has been unable to work full-time since February 20th. She will not begin major treatment until June 8th, and doctors recommend she does not work until after her surgery.

I ask you to please help her through this difficult time as the MN unpaid leave has not come forth. Without income, she is unable to pay for daily, weekly, or monthly expenses (including health insurance) on top of the medical bills that keep coming in.

I know that she would help others in this circumstance as she has been vocal about the personal struggles of others.

Thank you for looking. Please share with as many people as possible. All help is welcome and appreciated!