Help Support Pamela Trippany’s Colostomy Journey Today

My name is Mary Kay, and Pamela Trippany is one of my best friends, who is more of a sister to me than just a ‘friend’. We are truly soul sisters. I’d like to introduce you to the heartbreaking journey she has been on for a month so far.

I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart, seeking your compassion with a humble request for financial assistance. Together with Pam and Jim, we have decided to launch this funding campaign as we begin to assess the extensive medical and financial needs that she will face.

For those who have followed along on Facebook, and for those who are new to this journey, here’s a bit of the backstory…

Pam had an acute attack of diverticulitis that lasted for a week. Just when she thought the attack was subsiding, she went out for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air, but was struck with a very high fever, and crippled with pain. Jim (her husband) rushed to get the car, go back to pick up Pam, then rushed her to the emergency room, where they learned the grave news that it was much worse than the painful attack – that she in fact had a perforated colon that needed immediate and urgent attention.

Long story slightly condensed, she had multiple infections, abscesses and more perforations. When the surgeons went in to address draining an abscess, they found multiple dangerous perforations and had to extend the surgery to remove a significant amount of her colon, to which she woke up with a colostomy. Additionally, she had fecal matter that leaked into her pelvis, where if they had not done the surgery when they did, we’d have lost my best friend.

During the recovery from the first surgery, more infections arose, causing the need for multiple antibiotic interventions, including a pic line with direct IV antibiotics, which she still has. She’s had a dozen CT scans to date as well as multiple drains put in, has met with infectious disease doctors, radiologists and countless other specialists.

This condition requires a series of intricate surgeries and ongoing medical interventions for the foreseeable future. We are in phase 1 of this journey.

Pam requires specialized colostomy care products which need to be frequently replaced to maintain hygiene and prevent infection. Additionally, there are regular medical consultations, check-ups, and at minimum 2 subsequent surgeries requiring hospital admissions which further contribute to the escalating costs.

At one point, 2 new abscesses showed up on the Saturday night before Labor Day. Pam’s first surgeon had indicated that should something like this happen, intervention (surgical drainage) must happen immediately. Well, low & behold, she and Jim were shockingly told that ‘tomorrow is a Sunday and Monday is Labor Day, and because it’s a holiday, there would not be anyone able to do the surgery’! Pam demanded an immediate transfer! Horrible!

To further complicate this already exhausting situation, when Pam was discharged from the 2nd hospital to finally go home after 17 days in the hospital, SHE had to make countless phone calls to try to set up home health care. They called 23 – YES – 23 agencies and hit the wall at each call. Either their home location was too far away, the agency was short-staffed, or it was not taking new clients! So, they are doing it all on their own. Daily incision packing, cleaning, daily IV administration in the pic line, changing / replacing the bag, etc. They will need to travel over an hour each way to the wound clinic as well as over an hour each way (different direction) to the infusion center twice a week.

One sentiment that Pam shared with me is that she had no idea what a horrible experience this would be – and that “I thought Breast Cancer was scary – this is even worse – I never thought I’d say something like that!”

As extreme as this has all been, Pam remains faithful and hopeful. She is grateful for the messages, calls, check-ins, the prayers and love and remains optimistic. I must express that I’m in such awe of her strength, and in awe of her faith and her heart. She so badly wants to get better! I’ll continue to do as much as I can to support and care for her from afar, but she needs help – she needs your help.

The significant financial load associated with her care needs is beyond what their insurance will provide and what they are able to afford alone, now that she’s out of work (and Jim is retired {timing sucks sometimes}). Additional needs will include but not be limited to an adjustable bed, possibly an electric wheelchair, an electric scooter and in-home health care for colostomy and wound care, PT and OT for several months.

This is where we humbly turn to you, her incredible support network, for a helping hand to relieve the financial burden of overwhelming medical & financial expenses.

We have created this GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds to cover Pam’s hospital and surgeon bills, medical expenses, and provide her with the comprehensive care she needs in her first year of this life changing journey. Your generous contributions will enable her to access the medical specialists, treatments, surgeries, countless trips to/from the specialists and resources required to support her recovery. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a profound difference in Pam's life. Pam is not someone who will ask for help – so I’m taking this on myself on her behalf. Her difficult road is far from over, as she continues to face mounting health problems and financial needs. Many have asked how they can help or support her, so I wanted to provide this avenue as a means for folks to help support her in this way, should you be able to.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we kindly request that you share Pam’s story.

Remember, no one has ever become poor from giving. Giving changes lives, and sometimes saves lives. <3

With so much love and so much gratitude,

Mary Kay DuPrat, on behalf of Pamela and Jim Trippany