As we write this, it has now been 4 ½ days since mom lost consciousness looking up at the stars, and we are amazed and in disbelief at the series of events that have led us here to the Nebraska Heart Institute. We are even more grateful to even be telling this story.
We, along with Mom, had spent the day at the lake with many of our extended family members and grandparents celebrating at the annual summer get-together. As the day’s activities came to a close, those with younger children went home, as well as our elderly grandparents. Because the grandparents were unable to drive themselves, Mom was their driver that evening. She and her husband (our step-father) took them to their homes, and then made a decision that was the first in a series of miraculous events that saved her life. Even though it was late and both of them were tired, Mom wanted to go back to the lake to spend time with her children, grandchild, and family members that were spending the night at the lake. That love for her family literally saved her life. Shortly after she returned, sitting within arm’s reach of her only daughter, they looked up at the stars, and in that moment, Mom’s heart failed her and she lost consciousness and a series of miracles followed suit.
Being surrounded by family: The moment the “event” occurred, Mom was able to get immediate care from family members, and within minutes, EMS arrived to render aid and get her to the local hospital where our second miracle occurred.
Mom’s primary care physician was on call: Knowing Mom’s health history and her current condition, that doctor was able to quickly ascertain that Mom’s life was immediately in danger and called for a helicopter for emergency transport to a more appropriate care facility.
The following 18 hours became the scariest time in our lives. The first helicopter was halfway to the hospital when it had to turn around because of weather, then the second helicopter would not make it on time; so it became an ambulance race from Council Grove, KS to Topeka, KS in hopes that she would make it in time for further evaluation and care. At this point, we didn’t know the full extent of the danger, but we knew that time was against us.
Thank God, Mom made it to the hospital without incident. After tests were done and scans were made, we got the most gut-wrenching news one could imagine: “Your mom needs open-heart surgery or she will die, but we can’t find a surgeon to do the procedure.” Time was against us, and then it felt like the universe was as well. While waiting for updates on when, or even who, would be able to do the procedure, another round of gut-punching news: Mom’s heart has stopped two different times while in the emergency room and had to be resuscitated both times, requiring the most drastic life-saving measures.
Finally, a glimmer of hope. Hours after her initial collapse, we were notified that she would be airlifted to Lincoln, NE for emergency open-heart surgery upon arrival. The heart surgeon did the almost impossible, he conducted a surgery that normally takes 15-18 hours, and did it in less than five. Had he not been so expedient, Mom would not be here now.
The final tally. All told, Mom survived a dual-threat heart problem resulting in a massive heart operation, and, frustratingly, a localized stroke affecting the motor control portions of her brain.
The path forward. So here we are, almost five days since Mom fell into the stars, and we have a path forward. This path is going to be long, but if done right, Mom will have a great chance of recovering. It is truly a miracle our mom has survived this. It is a testament to modern science and what feels like divine intervention. We don’t know how else to convey the emotions and seemingly impossible odds that occurred for Mom to still be with us.
So at this point, with all that has happened, and what needs to happen with Mom’s health, we have realized that we need to ask for help. We are calling upon our friends and family…we need your help. We have some immediate needs and more long-term ones.
Mom’s recovery will be long and will be taking place far from home. Her husband and children do not want to leave her side and want to be there to help give her the strength and resolution she will need to recover. So, some of the funds raised will be used for lodging, food, and travel expenses for those who will be staying close by to support her during recovery and rehabilitation.
Our long-term needs are of a more serious concern. If mom will be able to work again, it will not be for several months. We all know bills do not stop coming in, mortgages need paid, and our beloved fur-babies still need taken care of. Her children (Joshua, Erica, and Jeremy,) are asking friends and family to please donate to this fund in order to help provide some financial security for Mom, as she transitions from this scary situation through recovery and rehabilitation to going home. There are a lot of unknown obstacles in Mom’s future, and until she is well, we want to make sure that financial security is not one of them.
Those of you who know Mom, know that she is one of the most selfless, giving, and supportive people you will ever meet in this ugly world. If you have ever asked for help, she would not even hesitate to oblige, even to her own detriment. She loves helping people, and now it is time that we all do the same for her.
Please consider donating, anything will help in the following months.