Joanie and Larry Harris

In June, while visiting family in Montana, Joanie had a medical emergency and was life flighted to Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. She underwent emergency surgery to repair a ruptured esophagus and treat the infection that had started in her chest. Her husband, Larry and son Geoff immediately drove to Seattle and daughters Erin and Ashley flew in from California. They were able to find a hotel near the hospital to be close to her. With Joanie's weak heart and the severity of her condition, she has had a long and complicated recovery. After almost 40 days in the hospital and the removal of all tubes in her chest, the esophagus was still not healing as expected. The team of doctors started vaccuum therapy on her esophagus which required her to go to the OR every 3 days. Thankfully Larry was able to move out of the hotel and rent a MIL suite 30mins from the hospital and visit her daily. She was progressing well and about to complete vacuum therapy when in the OR on August 1, the large blood vessel in her chest, the aorta perforated and she began hemorrhaging. Erin, Ashley, Geoff & wife Susie flew to Seattle. A vascular graft (stent) was placed in the aorta to control the bleeding. She was sent to the ICU and stabilized. Unfortunately, a fistula was discovered between her aorta and the esophagus which continually exposes the graft to bacteria. An infection in the graft is inevitable and sadly, catastrophic. The only fix would be a huge surgery removing a portion of her esophagus. After 60 days of hospitalization, in consultation with her family and doctors, Joanie has chosen not to move forward with surgery due to the estimated 90% risk of death. The hospital team is making arrangements to get Joanie safely home to Nipomo, California with hospice care within the next week or two. We appreciate any donations helping with the unexpected costs of this family emergency. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.