Support Rachelle Peterson & Family

Hi, my name is Olivia. I am reaching out on behalf of my parents, Craig and Rachelle Peterson. Please consider offering your support as they navigate medical expenses and associated costs. Rachelle faced several days in the ICU in Bemidji before being flown to the Critical Care Unit at the Fargo Broadway Medical Center. Rachelle is currently receiving oxygen with the support of a ventilator. Craig and family are currently residing in Fargo to be by Rachelle's side during her stay. Any donations would go towards medical expenses and household bills.

Rachelle is a passionate paraprofessional at Northern Elementary and cherishes the students she works with. Despite her limited communication, she has expressed how much she misses them. Craig, who is also unable to work during this time, balances 3 different jobs, including dedicating over 25 years to serving as an SLP at Horace May Elementary.

In early December, my mom, Rachelle, was treated for pneumonia, taking a few days off work. She had a rough cough, was tired, but overall she felt alright. On December 30th, while putting Christmas decorations away, she experienced a cracking sound in her body and felt immediate pain. On January 2nd, she went into Urgent Care in Bemidji. An x-ray identified a fractured 7th rib on her left side. With a healing period of approximately 6 weeks, she left with medication and a doctor's note to stay home on January 3rd, returning to work on the 4th.

On the 5th, Rachelle slipped on the ice and fell on her back. Although she initially brushed it off, the following day brought excruciating pain, making it impossible for her to find comfort or get any sleep. She couldn't sit or lay down. At 2AM on January 6th my dad and I took her to the Bemidji ER, but there was no change to her rib. The doctors informed us there was a lack of records from her prior visit on January 2nd. They had no record of the medication previously prescribed to her, adding stress to the situation. By 8AM, they had given her multiple additional medications to manage her pain and anxiety. They told us that they admit people to the hospital for rib fractures and that the decision was up to my mom. But my mom was tired and begging to go home, so we left.

Eighteen hours later, on January 7th, she returned to the ER and, five hours afterward, was admitted to the ICU. Three and a half days later, she was placed on a ventilator. We were told that the specialized care she needed was in Fargo. She was put on a flight during the night and brought to the Broadway Medical Center. My dad and family arrived not too long after.

Rachelle’s struggle includes fluid in her lungs and a partial collapse of her left lung. As of January 13th, she receives 30% to 40% oxygen support, down from an initial 70%. In comparison, we breathe 21% oxygen. They continue to work on removing as much fluid as they can. Our hope is that she will soon be able to pass the trials needed to remove the ventilator.

My mom has been able to write limited words on a whiteboard. She has told us that she is scared and she has talked about Heaven. The progression of my family's situation has been both rapid and incredibly challenging. Please continue to pray for my mom’s recovery, the medical staff taking care of her, and for my family's peace of mind.

Thank you,

Olivia