Support for Quilter Karen McTavish during her Medical Crisis

On August 2, 2025 my mother Karen went to the emergency room for feeling off-balance. I knew it was serious when I saw her calling, because she knows, as a millennial, rarely do I answer phone calls. Haha. Alright, enough levity.

After some tests, they found a bleed on her brain stem called a Cavernoma Malformation (or cavernous angioma). These are particularly serious when located on the brain stem because of the critical functions controlled in that area. A couple days later, she was back in the ER after losing feeling in the right side of her body. Hand, arm, leg, face-all numb. She has double vision and trouble swallowing.

There is a surgery that could be attempted in the cities, but no decisions have been made yet due to its risk factor. Her neurology stroke team in Duluth have been incredible. She is home and managing to control her blood pressure with medication and rest, which is paramount. She has lots of help from local family, Storm nearby in the MPLS and a persistent Eldest Daughter (a Capricorn) checking in daily from Oregon.

Being that my mother is at risk for falling, she cannot currently work. She cannot quilt. She cannot travel. She cannot fish.

Although the shop is still open and she is able to delegate tasks, it goes without saying that her stream of income will be drastically reduced. Her ability to recover relies on being able to rest with very little stress. It is my sincerest plea that if you know my mother; if she's taught you a skill, helped you, shown you kindness, made you laugh, or made a mark in your life in any way, that you would consider donating. This situation is stressful enough, I don't want her worrying how she's going to get by during these months of uncertainty. If you've met her, you know she is an independent force of nature, who would never ask this for herself. Say less queen, I will do it for you.

Thanks for reading, and thank you to everyone who has been checking in. More will be revealed in the fullness of time, and we will keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Ally McCann