Our Mom’s Journey to Healing

We are Katy Marcotte, Bridget Schwebach, and Michelle Yangwel, writing on behalf of our resilient and optimistic mom, Mary Welch.

On March 13, 2025, Mom was on her third day of battling a simple head cold. Feeling lightheaded and hungry, she tried to make a protein shake—but suddenly fainted. In that moment, life changed dramatically. She fell hard, striking her head on the table, then the chair, and finally the floor. Dad immediately called 911, and Mom was rushed to a trauma hospital.

The injuries were severe:

• A concussion

• A broken jaw in three places, with shattered jawbones

• Loss of many teeth

• A crushed salivary gland

• A deep gash across her chin and neck

• A bruised sternum

She underwent a 7½-hour surgery to rebuild her jaw. Since then, Mom has endured two additional surgeries, with a fourth scheduled for December 18. The most intense procedure, on September 9, involved removing part of the fibula bone in her leg to reconstruct her lower jaw because the first surgery was not successful in piecing it all together. It was a 10 hour surgery and she was in ICU for five days. The upcoming surgery will prepare her for a full lower jaw denture.

For the past nine months, Mom has been on a liquid and pureed diet—and will remain so for at least another 3–4 months until her mouth heals and she receives replacement teeth. She dreams of eating real food again—pizza and salad are at the top of her list!

________________________________________

Who Mom Is

Since 1998, Mom has been self-employed and lived her dream as a life coach, passionately leading women’s retreats and circles. She has touched hundreds of lives with her wisdom, laughter, and radiant smile. Her work is not just a career—it’s her calling. For both personal and financial reasons, she knows she’s not done yet, but to continue she needs to speak clearly and smile confidently, without pain or a lisp from having no bottom teeth.

________________________________________

Why We’re Asking for Help

While Mom’s medical insurance has covered most of the hospital bills, it does not cover the extensive dental work or the physical therapy needed to fully heal her leg. The cost for implants, a full lower denture, plus crowns and bridges for her upper jaw, is estimated at over $40,000.

If you choose to contribute any amount to help Mom reclaim her smile, her voice, and her purpose, it will be deeply appreciated by our entire family.

Thank You!