Cara Needs our Help

My name is Lisa Arends and I am raising funds to help my sister Cara Goulette.

Cara was airlifted to St Mary's Hospital in Rochester MN on April 5th with what doctors initially believed was necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) starting from a diabetic wound in her right leg. Since entering the hospital, she has had multiple surgeries with the removal of damaged tissue, and she faces more surgery and months of rehabilitation in the weeks and months to come. Amputation is a possible outcome, but we are giving her leg every chance to heal. In addition to the infection, there are other issues impacting her health, including blood clots, low hemoglobin and imbalanced electrolytes.

At this time, Cara remains hospitalized with the infected wound. Reconstruction or amputation cannot be done until the infection is gone, the blood clots are resolved, and electrolytes are in balance. At discharge, she will need home care for IV antibiotics, wound care, and assistance with daily living activities to assure she heals. She will be homebound and unable to work for quite some time. Cara's nursing career is on hold, she is out of sick days, and insurance coverage for her care is inadequate to say the least. This crisis is simply overwhelming for Cara and those of us who love her, but we are tapping into all our reserves to advocate and care for her as she heals. But, we can’t manage this alone.

Cara has lived her life nursing and caring for so many others, but right now, she needs family, friends, and neighbors to come together to lend financial support. Please give what you are able and know that our entire family is grateful for your support.

As time permits, I promise to make updates on this site as we move through this journey with Cara.

Thank you.