Let's give Stephanie the Shirt off our back!
Donation protected
Update 3/23/22: Hi everyone! Sorry we haven't updated lately. We have been waiting so that we could give a good one. And yes, it has taken this long for that to happen. Lots has happened over the past 3 weeks. The first bit of WONDERFUL news is, as of yesterday, Stephanie passed her swallow study and is now able to eat. This is HUGE!!!! They gave her some mushy (pureed) meat and gravy and she gobbled it up. Staff had to slow her down. She could aspirate since its been so long since she's had any type of food or liquid. Hopefully she will take it slow. When I visited on Saturday she was talking about a cheeseburger with bacon. I knew she was tired of the feeding tube then. Steph has had all staples removed. Bandages are off, including leg braces. The only reason the leg braces are off is because Steph won't keep them on. Last week, her mom went with her to a couple doc appt's. (Ortho and Neuro) Her mom saw the x-rays. Steph has plates and pins in both arms and legs and a thigh bone has plates, pins and a rod. (She will definitely be setting metal detectors off everywhere) The Ortho doc said she is healing nicely. We don't have a lot of information regarding the neuro appt. Her brain needs lots more time to heal. We do know that he thinks she will be in the rehab for a about a year. We are all counting on her to prove that doc wrong. This weekend we saw some positive change in Steph. We made a poster board with pictures of her family and a couple of close friends. She reacted to it exactly the way we had hoped. She LOVED it! She acknowledged a few people on it. (her mom and Vivi, for sure!) Within a few minutes of looking at it, she lost interest and started talking about other things. By "other things" we have no idea what she was talking about. Her words are very clear. But most of the time she doesn't make sense. She says names of people that we aren't familiar with. She also LOVES to rhyme. Its quite cute! We believe with each passing day she will become more lucid. Please know that the family was not trying to keep anyone from her. Stimulation from new people is so important. We just didn't think she was ready for an overwhelming amount of people. She is so loved we knew that would've happened. The family has asked that you please stop at the nurses desk on her floor before entering her room to make sure that she is appropriately robed for visitors. Please, Please, Please stop at the desk to save Stephanie any embarrassment. The family would also appreciate hearing how your visits with her go. Some family aren't able to see her everyday. Hearing other visitors experiences will be heart warming. Please feel free to post on Stephanie's FB wall, GFM page or Private message with updates. Stephanie is located on the second floor, near the nurses station. Stephanie's family would like to Thank each and everyone of you for all your love, prayers, support and generosity. You are all amazing! She is definitely improving, "baby steps." It's still way to soon to tell what Stephanie's future holds for her, physically and especially mentally. Please continue to pray and share the GFM page. Every little bit will help her and Vivian.
#stephstrong
The address is:
Deerfield Crossing at Northbrook
4101 Lake Cook Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Update 2/28/22: Hi! Just a quick update. There isn't much to report right now. We are waiting for some significant changes and that's not happening as quickly as we hoped. Last week she was so restless. We think it was slowing down her healing process. She just wasn't getting the rest she needed. She is much more calm with the new meds. Not a whole lot has changed. She's trying to talk and form sentences, but its no easy feat. Sometimes we can understand her and other times we can't. The brain bleed has stopped. She does have some swelling still. We assume it's getting better. (no news is good news) This is a very slow recovery. We need to have patience. The family requests no visitors yet. We will let you know when its ok for visitors.
Keep the prayers coming! and PLEASE share the GoFundMe page.
#stephstrong
Update 2/21/22: Hi Everyone! Good news! Stephanie moved to a rehab facility on Thursday, 2/17/22. She's doing well and looks good. Stephanie is somewhat awake and alert. She is still struggling to recognize most people and speaking. Her mom said that she did recognize them yesterday. She was more talkative too. She was trying to put sentences together. Some made sense and some did not. Also, she is not able to swallow yet. We have been told that we need to be patient. She needs more time to heal. Its only been 2.5 weeks. She has been through a lot. The family has requested that we keep visitors to family only, for now. Keep the prayers coming everyone!! Steph needs us! Please keep sharing the go fund me. We are almost to our goal.
#stephstrong
Update 2/16/22: Just a small update. Yesterday Stephanie had another procedure done. All went well. She had her feeding tube inserted into her tummy, instead of having it go down her nose. This is to hopefully help with her swallowing and speech. She hasn't passed a swallow test yet. (we have no idea how often they do them) She isn't talking much either. When she speaks, you can barely hear her, or understand her. She is definitely not ready for visitors, other than family. Hopefully soon! We will keep you posted when that changes. We are only 2 weeks in. She still has a long way to go. Please keep praying and sharing the GOFUNDME. Thank you all for your support and generosity. It is much appreciated.
#stephstrong
Update 2/14/22: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! If you know Steph well, you know that she absolutely can't stand this day. So its probably good that she's still a little loopy today. HAHAHA!!! Sorry its taken a few days for this update. Here we go..... Saturday morning, 2/12/22, she had surgery on both legs. All hardware (plates and pins) are inside now. She had only been awake for 2 days before this surgery. It felt like we took a couple steps back because She was heavily medicated most of the day on Saturday and Sunday. She did recognized her parents. (extremely emotional moment for them) She is talking a little bit. As her mom said, "gibberish." A little slurry and mumbling. Everyday gets a little better. She has a long road ahead of her. Its going to be a good 6 weeks or so before she can bare any weight on her legs. She has been moved out of ICU and is on the orthopedic floor. She still has a feeding tube in. She hasn't passed her swallow study test yet. That is pretty common after being on the vent. She just needs some time. We are all so anxious to see her. We know they have some restrictions due to COVID. We will update soon, regarding visits with her. For right now, we are giving her some time to get her "bearings back" and be with her family. KEEP THE PRAYERS coming!!! and PLEASE keep sharing the GO FUND ME page. We are so close to the goal! We appreciate everything you all have done already! Lots of Love and Hugs to everyone!
#stephstrong
Update 2/10/22: Last night was a little bit rough. Stephanie coded in the middle of the night. Her heart DID NOT stop, but it went wayyyyy low. She didn't need CPR and they didn't need to use the defibrillator. She needed to have her medication adjusted. After that things were calm. BUT WAIT!!! THIS GETS EXCITING. Her aunt and cousin went and visited this afternoon. She was awake and moving around quite a bit. THEY REMOVED THE VENT!!!! She started talking a little bit. When her aunt was talking steph said "Oh Shit!" 3 times. We have no idea what they were talking about to make her say that. We don't care! We are just so happy she came back to us! This is a huge step forward, especially after a crazy night! She still has a long road ahead of her. KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING!!! THEY ARE WORKING!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/9/22: Surgery went well the other day on adjusting the external hardware. Stephanie's sister, Amy was able to visit her last night. The hardware is still on the outside of her legs. She said they look a little better. Also, less bandaging on her arms. Her eyes opened and her head moved around when Amy started talking. At that point, Amy grabbed her hand and Stephanie was holding tight, "gripping" is the word Amy used. How Amazing is that??!! And I think that's the first positive thing we have heard yet! She is still intubated. The reason for the ventilator is to keep her relaxed. If she were awake, she would be in excruciating pain. Also, pain usually makes a patient restless. With all her injuries, she really shouldn't be moving at all. As far as the brain bleed is, it remains the same. We haven't heard of a "scale" or how bad it is. All we know is that it hasn't gotten any worse. Thank Goodness! PLEASE KEEP SHARING THIS PAGE! She has a VERY long road ahead of her. And most importantly, KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING! They are working!!!! Thank you for all the kind words and generosity! You all are amazing!
#stephstrong
Update 2/7/22: Another small update. Stephanie is going into surgery late this afternoon. They need to adjust the external hardware on her thigh. That's all for now. Updates will come later today or tomorrow morning. KEEP PRAYING EVERYONE!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/7/22: She had surgery on both arms yesterday and it went well. She is still intubated. And no change with the brain bleeds. This is a small update. I am hoping for more news later today. Prayers!!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/5/22: They are still monitoring her brain swelling. Once the swelling is down and she is awake they will evaluate if she has any brain damage. She is still on the ventilator and obviously not conscious. Today, at some point, they will be operating on her arm that is the compound fracture. When she is more stable they will work on her legs. They placed a blood clot filter in her groin. Thank goodness they did. They found several blood clots they were able to suction out. Her vitals are still good. She does not have any internal injuries, Thank heavens! We will update again, when we know more. Thank you all for being so generous! It is truly appreciated!!!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY! She needs it!
#stephstrong
Hi everyone,
#stephstrong
The address is:
Deerfield Crossing at Northbrook
4101 Lake Cook Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Update 2/28/22: Hi! Just a quick update. There isn't much to report right now. We are waiting for some significant changes and that's not happening as quickly as we hoped. Last week she was so restless. We think it was slowing down her healing process. She just wasn't getting the rest she needed. She is much more calm with the new meds. Not a whole lot has changed. She's trying to talk and form sentences, but its no easy feat. Sometimes we can understand her and other times we can't. The brain bleed has stopped. She does have some swelling still. We assume it's getting better. (no news is good news) This is a very slow recovery. We need to have patience. The family requests no visitors yet. We will let you know when its ok for visitors.
Keep the prayers coming! and PLEASE share the GoFundMe page.
#stephstrong
Update 2/21/22: Hi Everyone! Good news! Stephanie moved to a rehab facility on Thursday, 2/17/22. She's doing well and looks good. Stephanie is somewhat awake and alert. She is still struggling to recognize most people and speaking. Her mom said that she did recognize them yesterday. She was more talkative too. She was trying to put sentences together. Some made sense and some did not. Also, she is not able to swallow yet. We have been told that we need to be patient. She needs more time to heal. Its only been 2.5 weeks. She has been through a lot. The family has requested that we keep visitors to family only, for now. Keep the prayers coming everyone!! Steph needs us! Please keep sharing the go fund me. We are almost to our goal.
#stephstrong
Update 2/16/22: Just a small update. Yesterday Stephanie had another procedure done. All went well. She had her feeding tube inserted into her tummy, instead of having it go down her nose. This is to hopefully help with her swallowing and speech. She hasn't passed a swallow test yet. (we have no idea how often they do them) She isn't talking much either. When she speaks, you can barely hear her, or understand her. She is definitely not ready for visitors, other than family. Hopefully soon! We will keep you posted when that changes. We are only 2 weeks in. She still has a long way to go. Please keep praying and sharing the GOFUNDME. Thank you all for your support and generosity. It is much appreciated.
#stephstrong
Update 2/14/22: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! If you know Steph well, you know that she absolutely can't stand this day. So its probably good that she's still a little loopy today. HAHAHA!!! Sorry its taken a few days for this update. Here we go..... Saturday morning, 2/12/22, she had surgery on both legs. All hardware (plates and pins) are inside now. She had only been awake for 2 days before this surgery. It felt like we took a couple steps back because She was heavily medicated most of the day on Saturday and Sunday. She did recognized her parents. (extremely emotional moment for them) She is talking a little bit. As her mom said, "gibberish." A little slurry and mumbling. Everyday gets a little better. She has a long road ahead of her. Its going to be a good 6 weeks or so before she can bare any weight on her legs. She has been moved out of ICU and is on the orthopedic floor. She still has a feeding tube in. She hasn't passed her swallow study test yet. That is pretty common after being on the vent. She just needs some time. We are all so anxious to see her. We know they have some restrictions due to COVID. We will update soon, regarding visits with her. For right now, we are giving her some time to get her "bearings back" and be with her family. KEEP THE PRAYERS coming!!! and PLEASE keep sharing the GO FUND ME page. We are so close to the goal! We appreciate everything you all have done already! Lots of Love and Hugs to everyone!
#stephstrong
Update 2/10/22: Last night was a little bit rough. Stephanie coded in the middle of the night. Her heart DID NOT stop, but it went wayyyyy low. She didn't need CPR and they didn't need to use the defibrillator. She needed to have her medication adjusted. After that things were calm. BUT WAIT!!! THIS GETS EXCITING. Her aunt and cousin went and visited this afternoon. She was awake and moving around quite a bit. THEY REMOVED THE VENT!!!! She started talking a little bit. When her aunt was talking steph said "Oh Shit!" 3 times. We have no idea what they were talking about to make her say that. We don't care! We are just so happy she came back to us! This is a huge step forward, especially after a crazy night! She still has a long road ahead of her. KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING!!! THEY ARE WORKING!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/9/22: Surgery went well the other day on adjusting the external hardware. Stephanie's sister, Amy was able to visit her last night. The hardware is still on the outside of her legs. She said they look a little better. Also, less bandaging on her arms. Her eyes opened and her head moved around when Amy started talking. At that point, Amy grabbed her hand and Stephanie was holding tight, "gripping" is the word Amy used. How Amazing is that??!! And I think that's the first positive thing we have heard yet! She is still intubated. The reason for the ventilator is to keep her relaxed. If she were awake, she would be in excruciating pain. Also, pain usually makes a patient restless. With all her injuries, she really shouldn't be moving at all. As far as the brain bleed is, it remains the same. We haven't heard of a "scale" or how bad it is. All we know is that it hasn't gotten any worse. Thank Goodness! PLEASE KEEP SHARING THIS PAGE! She has a VERY long road ahead of her. And most importantly, KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING! They are working!!!! Thank you for all the kind words and generosity! You all are amazing!
#stephstrong
Update 2/7/22: Another small update. Stephanie is going into surgery late this afternoon. They need to adjust the external hardware on her thigh. That's all for now. Updates will come later today or tomorrow morning. KEEP PRAYING EVERYONE!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/7/22: She had surgery on both arms yesterday and it went well. She is still intubated. And no change with the brain bleeds. This is a small update. I am hoping for more news later today. Prayers!!!!
#stephstrong
Update 2/5/22: They are still monitoring her brain swelling. Once the swelling is down and she is awake they will evaluate if she has any brain damage. She is still on the ventilator and obviously not conscious. Today, at some point, they will be operating on her arm that is the compound fracture. When she is more stable they will work on her legs. They placed a blood clot filter in her groin. Thank goodness they did. They found several blood clots they were able to suction out. Her vitals are still good. She does not have any internal injuries, Thank heavens! We will update again, when we know more. Thank you all for being so generous! It is truly appreciated!!!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY! She needs it!
#stephstrong
Hi everyone,
It is with a heavy heart that we are starting this fundraiser. Many of you already know, our sweet Stephanie was in a horrific car accident on Thursday, February 3, 2022, around noon. She is currently in ICU on a ventilator. She is stable but in critical condition. She was admitted to ICU with a brain bleed; both shins are broken, along with one femur, both forearms and two compound fractures as well (one leg and one arm). She was immediately taken to the OR for surgery. She has temporary hardware on the outside of her legs. She will have surgery again when she is more stable. Today, they were doing another brain scan to monitor her swelling. Fingers crossed, it's good news! She has a long road ahead of her, but we all know Steph. She is a strong girl who will power through like she always does. She knows Vivian, the love of her life, needs her more than anything. She will fight hard for Vivi, no doubt. If you know Steph, you know she would give the shirt off her back. We are hoping this time we can do the same for her.
Stephanie recently bought a house this past fall for her and Vivian to plant some solid roots. This is a huge responsibility for a single mother with only one income. We hope to give Stephanie the opportunity to only focus on her recovery and not worry about all the financial burdens.
We will provide updates as we learn more and her recovery progresses. Thank you for your love, support and continued prayers.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Kolze
Organizer
Barneveld, WI
Stephanie Nilles
Beneficiary