All of us have been touched by the healing hands of a nurse. They dedicate their lives to helping others and rarely ask for anything in return. Barbara Welte is one such nurse caring for people in Alaska. She has worked in surgical services for over 30 years as part of a transplant team, an OR circulator, nurse educator, PACU, and pre-op nurse.

On March 25th, Barbara was the patient, having a planned knee replacement surgery. Three days later, she was told she developed a pseudoaneurysm behind her knee. A second surgery was unsuccessful in restoring the blood flow to her leg. This extremely rare complication caused her lower leg to die. She was just told she must have an above-the-knee amputation to save her life. These devastating events will completely change her life and her career as a nurse.

My coworkers and I are asking that you keep Barbara in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able, please donate what you can to her fund. While money will not change what has happened, it will help with the many needs she will have, including modifying her home.