Help the Melanson Family

**April 7 2024 Update**

Diane was back to ER twice this week for herself. They found broken sternum a lung contusion and artial flutter of her heart. Robyn is monitoring her vitals as her heart rate keeps rocketing to 160 beats per minute

She’s been in so much pain from a broken humerus from a fall in December we thought she re broke it in the accident. She actually cracked her shoulder blade in the crash as well.

For Norm

April 5 they did spinal surgery to place rods on his T4/5. He did quite well with no complications of bleeding or stroke.

On April 6 he was stable enough the Drs felt comfortable to extubate him. It took a few hours for him to come to after that. They got him up sitting in a chair for a few hours of physio.

He has a feeding tube as it will be a while before his throat is good enough to swallow food on his own after being intubated for so long.

Due to the lack of oxygen to his brain from when he had the heart attack and from lengthy sedation and being intubated he is going in and out of delirium. He has brief moments of time where he can recognize us and try to talk.

This is all very encouraging.

His next surgery will be to place a stint in his heart from old artery blockages. It is currently not known when that will be.

We are so grateful for the amazing and generous support from all of you, please keep the Melanson family in you prayers. There is still a long road ahead.

Norm and Diane Melanson have been the heart and soul of our community for years, serving up slices of kindness along with their delicious pizzas at Jim's Pizza for 16 years. Through their business, they've been the backbone of countless community

initiatives, lending support to individuals and organizations in need for over 16 years. Norm, a warm and loving husband, father, and friend, has always gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Since selling the restaurant in June of 2023 they have been enjoying a much deserved retirement.

 

However, tragedy struck on Easter Sunday, March 31st, when Norm suffered a cardiac event while driving with Diane and the car they were traveling in jumped a curb, hit a pole and flipped over several times. Due to the heroic efforts of a good Samaritan Diane sustained only minor injuries, Norm's condition however remains critical. He has yet to regain consciousness since the incident. It was only through the prompt response of paramedics that Norm's heart started beating again after being without a pulse for over 20 minutes. He's now fighting for his life at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, with Diane and their three daughters steadfastly by his side. With multiple surgeries in his future to repair a fractured spine and to install an internal defibrillator amongst other procedures there is a long road of healing ahead.

 

In this challenging time, we're reaching out to our community for support. The financial burden of accommodation, food, travel and lost wages weighs heavily on the Melanson family. Hotel costs alone could amount to $6000 a month, adding to their already mounting expenses. Your generosity could make an immense difference, helping to alleviate some of the financial strain and allowing the Melanson family to focus on what truly matters—Norm's recovery. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly towards supporting this beloved family in their time of need. Let's come together as a community to rally behind Norm, Diane, and their daughters during this difficult period. If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask that you please share this story to spread awareness. Thank you for your kindness and support.