A few weeks ago, Mary began what seemed like a stubborn case of strep throat. Despite treatment, her pain worsened — spreading to her neck and making it difficult to eat, drink or speak. After being admitted to Mercy and then later transferred to Mayo, she has been diagnosed with an aggressive case of necrotizing fasciitis. She’s already been through multiple surgeries, has battled sepsis, fluid around her lungs and heart, and now has a tracheostomy to help her breathe while she heals. She remains at Mayo facing more procedures, a long recovery, extensive rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgery once she's strong enough. Our family is in awe of her resilience, but recovery will be long and full of unknowns. She continues to fight with quiet strength and remains steadfast in her faith, even on the hardest days.

Our family humbly shares this page to help ease the financial strain as her husband, Jake, and family stay by her side — hoping to help cover medical expenses, travel, hotel stays, time away from work, and everything else that comes with such a long hospital stay. The support from friends and family meant the world to us in August when we asked for help for Ryan after his heart attack, and we’re leaning on that same kindness now for Mary. Every share, message and donation helps more than you know. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for keeping Jake, Mary, and their families in your thoughts as she continues to fight, heal and regain her strength — so she can get back to the stage, her choir classes, and singing like the unstoppable star of our family she's always been. ❤