Miraculous Heart Surgery

On the morning of September 23rd my sister in-law, Debra was folding laundry at home when she suddenly started having pain in her chest and trouble breathing.  She immediately called her parents for help, they knew right away she needed to go to the hospital.  Debra was seen at Mat-Su Regional at 11:00am; the doctors originally speculated that she was experiencing acid reflux or having pancreatic issues.  After conducting a CT scan they found she had a Type A Aortic Dissection (A tear in her Aorta).  This is a very rare condition that usually ends in death.  The doctors knew that they had a small window of time to save her and made the decision to medivac Debra to UW in Seattle for emergency surgery. Thankfully my Brother who was working in Fairbanks that day managed to make it home to see her before she left Mat-Su Regional. My Brother and Debra decided it would be best if he stayed behind to take care of their 4 year old Daughter and that Debra’s Dad would fly down with her so she wouldn’t be alone;  he has not left her side since. They flew out to Seattle and immediately went into surgery by 7:00am on September 24.  The surgery took about 6-6 1/2 hours.  Debra miraculously survived even though she was told she shouldn’t have even survived the flight.  Her aorta was almost completely replaced as well as two out of three arteries that come off the aorta.  After her surgery she had difficulty with her vision; another scan was performed and they discovered that Debra had suffered from a stroke. The stroke was impacting vision in her left eye. The hope is over time, because of her strength and age, she will recover her sight. Debra has been required to stay in Seattle while she is awaiting a second surgery to fix the descending aorta on November 9.

      It’s been hard for Debra not being able to be with my Brother and their Daughter. They talk all the time and FaceTime when possible. My Brother has become quite the Mr. Mom taking all the responsibilities at home. He had a whole new respect and insight of what Debra has been doing for the last 4 years being at home with their Daughter and also working at her Family’s business. He hasn’t been able to work since everything has happened and as you know bills don’t stop for situations like this.

      Please if you can help by either donating or sharing to help them find some relief for the accumulated bills and medical expenses to come.  If there is anyway you could help I know they would be forever thankful.  And please don’t stop the prayers and thoughts for our family at this time.  Thank you all for your love, prayer and support. We are so thankful that Debra is still with us and that her daughter doesn’t have to grow up without a Mom, it’s truly a miracle.