Support Michelle Willis's Stroke Recovery

On April 2, 2025, my 43 year old stepdaughter Michelle Willis was rushed to the hospital in Billings, Montana from her home in Laurel. She had been working at home when she experienced the sudden onset of a severe headache, vision loss, and weakness. She knew immediately something serious was happening. Her dad and Jake met the ambulance at the Billings Clinic Hospital and were with her in the Emergency room when she went into a seizure. Her blood pressure skyrocketed. After observation, tests, and scans, it was determined she had suffered a stroke, which was scary for everyone, especially for Michelle.

The hospital performed an MRI scan, and in true Michelle fashion, she asked them to play Marilyn Manson while she was in the tube. The MRI and a CT scan showed a blood clot with bleeding in her brain. She was then taken to the ICU and hooked up to many monitors, oxygen, and an IV as medications were pumped into her.

A neurologist examined all of her scans and tests, and said it appears the blood clot formed in an area of the brain that causes fewer problems to the body than if it had occurred in a different location. However, she has some vision loss, and weakness on her left side which affects gripping things and walking. We are hopeful that physical therapy will help Michelle regain full function of these affected areas.

Michelle has health insurance, but it carries a high deductible, plus copays which she can't afford as medical costs skyrocket.  Any contributions towards this big expense would be greatly appreciated. She should be concentrating on regaining her health and not on medical bills.

We aren't sure how long Michelle will remain in the ICU, but I will keep you all updated. Right now the course of action is a CT scan every few hours to make sure there has been no increase in bleeding and that the clot is the same size or smaller, and she is on a blood thinner. Thanks to all of you. She and the whole family appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Note: The "Words of Support" section is not allowing anyone to leave comments. I am working on this issue and hope to get it fixed soon, as Michelle needs your words of support. Please check back.