Donation protected
Those of us who know Debbie and Mark know they would hate that I am doing this; but that we all love them so much, and because we need a way to help...lets start with Debbie's words first:
"I've had some time to try and comprehend what's happened and have tried to contact most of you personally but for those of you who have asked and I haven't had the time to answer I wanted to provide an explanation.
On Tuesday January 5, my husband Mark kissed me goodnight and went to bed. I joined him several hours later and quickly realised something was very wrong. He was having a stroke. I called 911 and he was rushed to RCH where it was discovered a very large clot was lodged in his right carotid artery. Circumstances made it not possible for standard TPA treatment so they opted for a thrombectomy. (Removal/retrieval of blood clot by angiogram) It was the best course of treatment.
Unfortunately there was still significant damage to the right side of the brain resulting in left sided paralysis. 36hrs later the pressure in his brain from the trauma of the stroke was so great that he required immediate craniotomy. A piece of skull was removed to allow for swelling. He was moved to ICU where he was intubated and sedated. Today they extubated him. (Removed the breathing tube) So long as he is able to protect his airway by breathing and clearing his throat it will stay out but we have to be prepared for re-intubation or a tracheotomy. He squeezed my hand and moved his foot and seems to be aware of who I am. His level of consciousness is very low. He's not really awake and it's very difficult for him to even open his eyes. But he nuzzled his head toward me when I kissed him goodbye which is great news.
I need to express my utmost heartfelt gratefulness at all the kind words, thoughts and prayers that I've received. I am speechless and moved to tears at how many of you have reached out in this, the MOST difficult time of our lives. I will forever be moved and humbled by your love. Words can not express the support I have received from my immediate bubble. I wouldn't be breathing without you.
Thank you ❤"
For those of you who are asking what you can do to help, keep Mark, Debbie, Alex and Hannah in your thoughts, send love, groceries and if you still feel you'd like to help I made this. The road ahead will be long and surrounded by love no matter how hard. She does so much for so many and feeling helpless - I thought this might be a way we could help.
Thanks you guys
Love
Everyone in The Reids' Bubble
"I've had some time to try and comprehend what's happened and have tried to contact most of you personally but for those of you who have asked and I haven't had the time to answer I wanted to provide an explanation.
On Tuesday January 5, my husband Mark kissed me goodnight and went to bed. I joined him several hours later and quickly realised something was very wrong. He was having a stroke. I called 911 and he was rushed to RCH where it was discovered a very large clot was lodged in his right carotid artery. Circumstances made it not possible for standard TPA treatment so they opted for a thrombectomy. (Removal/retrieval of blood clot by angiogram) It was the best course of treatment.
Unfortunately there was still significant damage to the right side of the brain resulting in left sided paralysis. 36hrs later the pressure in his brain from the trauma of the stroke was so great that he required immediate craniotomy. A piece of skull was removed to allow for swelling. He was moved to ICU where he was intubated and sedated. Today they extubated him. (Removed the breathing tube) So long as he is able to protect his airway by breathing and clearing his throat it will stay out but we have to be prepared for re-intubation or a tracheotomy. He squeezed my hand and moved his foot and seems to be aware of who I am. His level of consciousness is very low. He's not really awake and it's very difficult for him to even open his eyes. But he nuzzled his head toward me when I kissed him goodbye which is great news.
I need to express my utmost heartfelt gratefulness at all the kind words, thoughts and prayers that I've received. I am speechless and moved to tears at how many of you have reached out in this, the MOST difficult time of our lives. I will forever be moved and humbled by your love. Words can not express the support I have received from my immediate bubble. I wouldn't be breathing without you.
Thank you ❤"
For those of you who are asking what you can do to help, keep Mark, Debbie, Alex and Hannah in your thoughts, send love, groceries and if you still feel you'd like to help I made this. The road ahead will be long and surrounded by love no matter how hard. She does so much for so many and feeling helpless - I thought this might be a way we could help.
Thanks you guys
Love
Everyone in The Reids' Bubble
Organizer
Sonya-Janet Byrne
Organizer
Maple Ridge West, BC