Early on the morning of March 29th, my beautiful 24-year-old niece, Hannah Rose McIntyre, suffered a massive MCA stroke of the left side. She was at home with her fiancé, Kalen, in Athena, Oregon, when it happened. After being transported by ambulance to St. Mary's in Walla Walla, Hannah was life flighted to Sacred Heart in Spokane, Washington. Upon arrival, doctors removed the blood clot in her brain.

That same evening, the swelling in Hannah's brain increased to a life-threatening degree. Doctors performed an emergency craniectomy to relieve the swelling, and she has been recovering in the ICU since then. Hannah is not yet out of danger and the path to recovery will be difficult. The medical team and neurologists will create a rehabilitation plan for Hannah after she's had more time to recover from the surgeries. However, we know for certain that Hannah has suffered extensive damage to her left brain and this will require many, many months of rehabilitation and therapy to recover from. While Hannah is insured, insurance companies often do not cover rehabilitation costs. Additionally, Hannah's support system--including Kalen, brother Alex, and her parents--will have to cover costs associated with lodging while they relocate to Spokane for what could be many weeks. Finally, Hannah is a reporter for the Union Bulletin newspaper and will be unable to return to work indefinitely.

Hannah is well-loved by all who have been fortunate enough to know her. Many have inquired about what they can do to support the family during this difficult time. Your loving prayers and positive thoughts have sustained us, and we have felt and witnessed the power of these prayers in the progress made by Hannah thus far. However, it will be necessary to raise funds to support her healing. The next 6 months will be critical. Financial contributions to help with extended lodging costs, food, and other supports would be greatly appreciated. If you are able, please help Hannah and her support system as she navigates the road to recovery. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!