Help Bernadette recover from the unimaginable

On June 15, 2023, Birdie went to the hospital for a routine out-patient surgery. The nightmare began when following the procedure, she suffered a massive brain bleed and was rushed back into the operating room for a second surgery leaving her unresponsive. While in recovery, a CTI scan indicated another brain bleed resulting in a 3rd surgery, which left her dependent on life support and in a coma for 16 days.

Minutes before surgery Birdie said, “ If something goes wrong, fight for me, I’m not ready to go.”

On July 3rd, in ICU Birdie opened her eyes, seeing out of one eye and asked, “where am I?” Since then, she has overcome challenges - to regaining consciousness, to removing her ventilator to breath, speak, to sitting-up, and eating small amounts of food with daily assistance. As of now, one eye is permanently damaged as is the right side of her head requiring her to wear a medical helmet to prevent further injury. She continues in daily therapy to speak, move her body, walk, and gain some normalcy of her life.

Given the trauma of the surgery, overcoming death, and holding on to her precious life, Birdie is now in a skilled nursing facility short term due to limited medical insurance. Sadly, the quality of care is unsatisfactory. Our goal is to ensure Birdie has all that is needed to continue on this unknown path of recovery. Whether at a more comprehensive facility or at home with daily medical treatments, we know that Birdie deserves this essential care. We ask for your support, your positive vibes, and goodness to get Birdie back on her feet with the goal that she regains some independence and back to a life she loved, caring for others, fishing for trout, walking her pet dog Blue, planning big family gatherings, and being the light that illuminated every room with a twinkle in her eyes, and her beautiful, cheerful self. All funds raised will be used to navigate this time and the added expenses associated with her care due to this heartbreaking circumstance. We will post photos and updates.

Our family thanks you for your compassion, prayers, and believing in Birdie’s will power to live. We are so grateful for you, and the all the love.

Bonnie and family.