Support Alison Visona

My name is Florence O’Leary and I am helping to raise money for my son’s longtime partner Ali (Alison) Visona:

Just days before Christmas, Ali suddenly fell ill, and went in to the doctor to get checked out for what we assumed would be nothing more serious than the flu. In a terrible turn of events, the doctors discovered she was suffering complications from a serious and significantly advanced infection (sepsis) which had progressed rapidly throughout her body. We were suddenly riding an ambulance to be admitted into Advocate Christ ICU , and in less than 24 hours she was intubated, fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with sepsis which was rapidly complicated by a condition called DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) a condition which can attack and disrupt vital organs with clotting and hemorrhaging throughout the body , and which is known to have a mortality rate as high as 78%, more often than not considered to be a death sentence. We were gutted at the realization that we may never get to speak to her, to hear her sweet voice ever again. None of us were prepared to say goodbye so soon.

Ali received treatment around the clock; medication to fight the infection, multiple blood transfusions, and even emergency surgery to remove clotting from the artery in her wrist. Friends and family banded together and prayed that she would make it through.

Over the following 2 days, by the grace of God and through the hands of the incredible doctors and staff at Advocate, the sepsis was stabilized; Ali came off the ventilator. When we finally heard her voice that day, we had never felt more grateful to have her alive with us.

While her survival of this deadly disease was miraculous, it did not come without significant loss - On Christmas Eve we quickly learned the impact of the DIC on her extremities had been severe, and the doctors informed us that her right hand would need to be amputated, the ring finger of her left hand partially amputated, and she will lose portions of both feet. At the same time we were joyously thanking God for her life, we were heartbroken once again at our inability to save every piece of her, to protect her from this tragedy that would alter her life forever.

Celebrating Christmas and the New Year has been a challenge for all of us with our beloved Ali in this state. Ali’s own strength , positivity and persistent trademark sweet nature throughout this entire endeavor has been nothing short of inspiring. After one successful surgery, she is expressing positivity and hope in facing the continuing challenges that lie ahead.

As of today (Jan 14) we are expecting at least 3 more weeks in the hospital, though we have been progressing from the ICU to step down units and Ali getting more strength, we pray that the experts can minimize further required amputations.

We are grateful that we can look forward to the day when Ali will be well enough to come home. We, along with Ali, are remaining optimistic about the future, however it is clear that we have a long and challenging road ahead as Ali continues with treatments and she will need to learn adjust to a life with prostheses. She faces significant medical costs for her extensive care in the hospital and what will be needed by way of prosthetics and physical therapy required to help her on the road to recovery.

We are exploring all available avenues for support of this process, and we are hopeful that with the help of Ali’s friends, family, and extended network that we can help ease this transition as much as possible. We are grateful for everyone who has shown their kindness and generosity through monetary donations, prayers and help spreading awareness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.