Rally Around Maureen O'Brien
Photo provided by The Bemidji Pioneer
Maureen O'Brien is known to many of us as the woman who captures the beauty of the natural world around us on her canvas. She is also know for her sweet and generous spirit. She has touched and inspired so many . . . and now she needs our help.
On March 18 Maureen was taken to Sanford Hospital in Bemidji with COVID 19 and pneumonia. She was in ICU for one month and then
was then transferred to Sanford's Neilson Place to convalesce. While in Neilson Place she developed a perforated bowel and, in early May, underwent three emergency surgeries at Sanford Hospital to repair it. Maureen's health took a turn for the worse.
Fearing her declining health, the family had Maureen life flighted to the University Medical Center in Minneapolis on May 15th. She was intubated and began a long battle to fight a series of infections and other complications related to the perforated bowl and early surgeries.
She underwent two additional corrective surgeries at U of M Medical Center to repair her bowel.
Maureen is slowly making progress toward recovery and is receiving wonderful care at University Medical, but she has a long journey
ahead of her to regain her strength and mobility.
On Tuesday, June 1st, the family got word that Maureen's beloved 103 year old home burned down. There are no words to describe this
terrible loss. She does not yet know she has lost her beloved home. Fortunately no one was at home and the barn and her painting studio
were spared.
The first goal of this campaign is to support Maureen in regaining her health and to support her family as they struggle with the burdens of her long illness. We want her strong and smiling again.
The second goal is to give her a home to return to. This will be a long transitional time with many decisions to make and unknowns to face. One step at a time is all we can do.
Maureen has contributed so much to our community with her beautiful artwork and teaching. She loves with all of her heart. Now it is our turn. Whether you can contribute a little or a lot, it doesn't matter. There is strength in numbers. Please do what you can to support
Maureen and her family during this time of great need.
