Dear Friends of Betsy.

Our Sweet Betsy suffered an aortic dissection on Saturday, November 5. She was med-evaced to Brigham and Women's in Boston, and underwent a 10-hour surgery to repair the damage and now (temporarily) has a pacemaker. B & W keeps her for another 5-6 days and then transfers her to a rehab unit for a few weeks until she is cleared to return home. At that point, she will need help with daily chores until she feels confident on her own.

She has some cognitive and physical impairment due to an apparent stroke or ischemic event, and she will likely be unable to work for quite a while.

If you know Betsy, then you know she is a hard worker. She runs her house as an Airbnb. She is a generous masseuse and healer. She is constantly learning about new ways to help people. She loves to use her hands, be it with reflexology or gardening, refinishing furniture or kitting fabulous hats for her friends and grandchildren. Losing these joys physically and cognitively will be VERY challenging for our dear Betsy. By helping us support her, some of the burdens will be lessened.

I am sure we would all like to have her around for many more years!!!

Your focused meditations, prayers and positive thoughts are needed and greatly appreciated by her family in France and all who love her. Please reach out if you have time to share a meal, hold her hand, and support/visit her. Once she is home, she will need help with all the household chores, and your presence is valued beyond measure.

Lowly Finnerty will be organizing a food delivery and a dinner train. You can contact her directly.

I will update you through this platform when she can return home.

Thank you for your generosity.