Many of you know that my best friend Emily recently had surgery and has been working hard to recover. Unfortunately, last week she began experiencing severe chest and shoulder pain, especially when breathing. When the pain worsened overnight, her mom rushed her to the ER.

After extensive scans and testing, doctors discovered fluid around her lungs (pleural effusion) and concerns for possible pneumonia. She was started on IV antibiotics and admitted to the hospital. Shortly after, she was transferred by ambulance to UMC, where her original surgery was performed, so her surgical team could evaluate her more closely.

Since then, it has been a difficult and uncertain week. Additional imaging revealed more internal fluid, which doctors were able to drain. However, new fluid has developed around her lungs and in her chest, leaving her short of breath and in significant discomfort. She remains hospitalized as doctors work to determine the underlying cause.

Emily is now scheduled for a thoracentesis procedure to drain the fluid and hopefully provide answers.

This has been incredibly hard -physically, emotionally, and financially. Emily had already been out of work recovering from her prior surgery, and now with this unexpected complication and no clear return to work date, the financial strain is growing quickly. Medical bills, household expenses, and daily costs do not pause during a hospital stay.

We have set up this GoFundMe and a Meal Train to help relieve some of that burden so Emily can focus fully on healing.

If you feel led to give — whether through a donation, a meal, or simply sharing this page — it would mean more than we can express. Most of all, we ask for continued prayers, encouragement, and support as she navigates this challenging time.

***At this time, Emily is not up for visitors.***

Thank you for loving Emily as much as we do.