Help Chauncey Heal from a Life-Threatening Aneurysm

Help Chauncey Heal: Support Her Recovery from a Life-Threatening Aneurysm

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

You may know us as the Smiths, but as our family has grown through marriages, we’ve embraced new surnames like Vangsness, Vrem, and Hamski. Despite these changes, our bond remains strong, and we continue to support one another through life’s challenges.

A few months ago, we faced a different kind of crisis. Our beloved Brian Vangsness, also known as Papa Brian, was rushed to the ER with our mom for a check-up and was admitted to the ICU for a couple of weeks due to severe septic shock syndrome. After several tests, doctors discovered abscesses on his liver caused by streptococcus anginosis. Brian underwent multiple infusions for several months, and, thankfully, he is improving day by day. We are so grateful for his steady recovery and for the support from everyone during that difficult time.

On Sunday, January 12th, our beloved Chaunceymae Vrem’s life changed forever. As she and her sister, CedRiece, were leaving a dance show at Ann Nicole Hall, Chauncey suddenly clutched the back of her head in severe pain and collapsed. While CedRiece immediately rushed to her sister’s side, she knew it wasn’t good and suspected it was likely an aneurysm. Cody was getting the car, unaware of the gravity of the situation. As Chauncey’s condition worsened, they called 911.

In that moment, Alycia Coutts, a board-certified nurse practitioner and community member, noticed something was wrong and rushed over to help. Alycia’s medical expertise and quick thinking helped stabilize Chauncey while CedRiece held her close, offering comfort and reassurance, and holding their daughters in fear.

As Cody approached, CedRiece handed him the phone to speak with the dispatcher while she continued to support Chauncey and their daughters.

While CedRiece held Chauncey, Alycia worked to assess the situation and provide care until paramedics arrived. After the ambulance came, CedRiece continued caring for their daughters, keeping them calm and safe, while Cody stayed by Chauncey’s side in the ambulance and ER where they met Chauncey’s mom. It was in the ER where they finally confirmed that Chauncey had suffered a severe aneurysm. The doctor immediately said, “No more waiting, we are life-flighting her to Fargo,” knowing the urgency of Chauncey’s condition.

Cody and Chauncey were then airlifted to Fargo for specialized care, where doctors confirmed the life-threatening aneurysm. Chauncey’s mom and sister, Cambree, drove through the night to be with her. Chauncey’s dad Scott, siblings, nieces, and nephews rallied together and arrived to support her during this unimaginable time.

Cody will stay with Chauncey in Fargo, along with Chauncey’s mom, until she is able to return to Minot. Other family members will travel back and forth to be with Chauncey while trying to balance work and daily responsibilities during her recovery.

A Long Road to Recovery

Chauncey underwent emergency surgery and is now in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she is expected to remain for at least two weeks. She is hours away from Minot and still uncertain when she’ll be able to return home. Though she has made incredible progress, including the removal of her breathing tube, the road to recovery is long and challenging. Chauncey has experienced some vision loss, which doctors are hopeful will improve over time. In addition to her hospital recovery, she will need outpatient care and rehabilitation to help her regain strength and independence. Her courage and resilience are inspiring, but the challenges ahead remain immense.

How You Can Help

We have launched this GoFundMe campaign to support Chauncey, Brian and their family through this difficult journey. Donations will be used for:

• Traveling expenses for Chauncey’s family: To ensure they can be by her side as she recovers, especially with her being hours away from Minot for the next few weeks.

• Support for her children and family: Helping with living expenses and day-to-day needs while Chauncey is in the hospital.

• Medical expenses: Covering surgeries, hospital stays, outpatient recovery, rehabilitation, and treatments.

Your Support Matters

Your generosity will help relieve the financial burden and allow Chauncey’s family to focus on her recovery. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us.

Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Your love, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.

With gratitude,

The Smith, Vangsness, Vrem, and Hamski Families