Faith, Hope and Love for Brittany

Hi. My name is Mary Brown and I am a childhood best friend of Brittany’s. As many of you know Brittany has had a history of heart troubles her entire life. Brittany has Marfan’s syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder. About 1 in 200,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. We have connective tissue throughout our bodies. The aorta, which is the main artery supplying blood to all parts of our bodies is made of connective tissue. It can develop aneurysms, or a weakening area that balloons out and can rupture. If your aorta ruptures, there is a very high chance you won’t make it. Brittany had an aneurysm. For her, the best approach was to replace her entire aorta with a synthetic graft. This graft eliminates the chance for any future aneurysms. On April 21, Brittany went through a 13 hour lifesaving surgery to have her aorta replaced. She was expected to be in the hospital for two weeks. Since her surgery, she has had multiple complications that have slowed her progress and that will keep her in the ICU for another 2-3 months. She will then need rehab afterwards. Brittany’s mom Tracy Gulbrandsen and husband Colby Norden have been by her side since the initial surgery. I am looking to help offset the cost of their hotel rooms, gas and travel and food costs as well as help with bills that may begin to accumulate for Brittany and Colby. Even on the toughest days, Brit has shown courage and strength as well as her husband and mom. Thank you in advance for any contribution you are able to make- I know Brittany, Colby and Tracy will appreciate your support immensely.