Help Brooke Recover from Rhabdo

Our Sweet Brooke

We all know Brooke Baumgartner by many names: mother, grandmother, teacher, reading specialist, teammate, mentor, and friend. If you know Brooke at all, you know she always goes above and beyond for everyone, and especially for her students. She is a prime example of someone who selflessly gives her time, her resources, and her strength to support others. Brooke is always willing to step up and help, whatever that looks like. Right now, Brooke needs our support, and we are grateful we are able to be there for her, whatever that looks like.

Brooke’s Health Emergency

At the end of August, Brooke was placed on a prescription statin by her cardiologist to help manage cholesterol levels. Within a short period of time, Brooke started experiencing severe muscle pain and weakness. She had developed a rare side effect to the statin and a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious syndrome resulting from the death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications such as renal and liver failure.

Brooke was on her way to the ER when she stopped breathing, which necessitated calling an ambulance. The ER immediately admitted her and kept her in the hospital for five days. She will be starting a four-day a week regimen of physical therapy to rebuild her muscle tissue as soon as she is strong enough. Her physician compared the damage she sustained in this short period of time to someone being in a coma for six months with severe muscle atrophy.

Needless to say, her medical bills are substantial, between the ambulance, the hospital stay, and all of the miscellaneous doctor visits. In addition, she is required to pay a specialist co-pay for each of her physical therapy sessions. It is almost prohibitive to her getting and continuing the care she needs to fully recover. Of course, she has also been unable to exercise her love and passion for teaching her students during this time.

How to Help

Brooke and family are grateful for help in any form -- prayers, messages of encouragement, and/or financial contributions. Brooke is not one to ask for financial help, and we are grateful she is allowing us to spread the word and allow friends to help if they are able. She sends thanks from the bottom of her heart.

❤ Brooke’s Family