This GoFundMe has been set up to provide assistance for a dear, dear friend as she fights the toughest battle of her life. Anyone who has ever met Dede knows how kind and caring she is and how she always puts others' needs ahead of her own. It is now, in her time of greatest need that we are asking others to return her kindness and pitch in so we can ease the financial burden allowing Dede and her family to focus on the difficult path forward for her treatment and recovery.

From Dede's sister, Sandy:

We need your prayers.

This was our sister just a month ago. So Gorgeous. She was physically the healthiest I have ever seen her. Active, having fun with friends and enjoying life with her people.

Last Tuesday, she thought she was having a horrible migraine. When her left side began to go numb, she decided this could be more than a migraine. She called an ambulance for herself. Once at the hospital, through MUCH testing, it was discovered she had a brain bleed. After a week of extensive testing, we now see the severity of what has happened. Dede has endocarditis. It’s a bacterial infection of the heart that attaches to the heart, can damage heart valves, and then filters out into other areas of the body. When the bacteria breaks off and enters into the blood stream, it goes straight to organs. Her heart, brain, kidneys, liver and spleen have now all been effected with these blood clot clusters of bacteria. She is currently in ICU on a ventilator and kidney dialysis. We are waiting to hear when they think she can handle moving to ******* where they need to perform open heart surgery to replace the “destroyed” heart valve. Our heads are spinning.

Every day has brought a new diagnosis of concern. She needs a break. She needs rest but most importantly she needs your prayers!!! When I ask if she wants me to pray with her…she nods yes. And every time I pray with her there are tears by both of us. She hears me. She squeezes my hand. She nods her head. I know she is scared and confused but I also know how strong she is. We are asking you to join us, praying in faith believing she will be healed and restored to her beautiful self!

…but please PLEASE pray for her. Pray for her daughters and grandson. We love her and if you have ever met her, then I know you love her too. ❤️❤️

From her friends who have set up this account:

All donations after GoFundMe fees (2.9% + $ 0.30 per donation) will be used to pay Dede's expenses.

Please consider even a small donation if you are able. With as many friends as Dede has, if we all pitch in even a little, we can make a huge difference and allow Dede and her family to put all of their energy into the battle that lies ahead.