What began as a frightening medical emergency has now become a long and uncertain recovery for Hollee and our family.

On June 9, 2026, Hollee went to the hospital after serious weakness, pain, and worsening symptoms in her legs. Doctors initially feared Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition that can require weeks or months of inpatient treatment. After two days and two MRIs, we learned it was not Guillain-Barré, which was a relief. However, the MRI showed that a slipped disc is pinching nerves on both sides of her legs. Surgery may ultimately be the only true fix, though physical therapy may help manage the pain and mobility issues for now.

While reviewing the MRI, doctors also noticed a spot on her lungs and ordered a chest X-ray. At first, they thought it might be leftover inflammation from a recent viral infection. Hollee had also become extremely malnourished after being sick and unable to eat, so the hospital began giving her potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins, and a blood transfusion because her hemoglobin was low.

The next morning, a new doctor became concerned about Hollee’s chest X-ray and blood pressure and ordered a CT scan before discharge. At the time, we were frustrated. We thought we were finally going home and worried this was just another test.

Instead, that scan may have saved her life.

Radiology called just as the doctor was preparing her discharge paperwork. They had found a saddle pulmonary embolism, a large blood clot sitting above Hollee’s heart and blocking blood flow into her lungs. She was rushed into surgery, but doctors discovered the clot was older and too chronic to remove with suction. They started her on blood thinners, and now we wait to see whether her body can break down and absorb the clot over the next three months.

We are incredibly grateful that Hollee is still here. We are also facing a long and uncertain recovery. She is healing from a life-threatening pulmonary embolism while still dealing with a slipped disc, nerve pain, weakness, anemia, follow-up appointments, medications, physical therapy, and the possibility of future surgeries.

Because of her condition, Hollee is not able to work right now. The financial impact is already becoming overwhelming. Donations will help with medical bills, prescriptions, follow-up care, physical therapy, transportation to appointments, time away from work, and the everyday expenses that become harder to manage during a medical crisis.

Hollee means everything to our family. She is strong, kind, funny, and deeply loved. Right now, she needs time, care, and support to heal. Any amount helps. If you are not able to give, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Hollee in your thoughts means more than we can say.

Thank you for helping us through this frightening and difficult chapter.