Last Wednesday, July 16th, my daughter-in-law Shelby Tilley started coming down with what she thought was a cold. But by the next day, she had a fever and a severe sore throat. Her partner, Dakota, took her to the ER and found out that she had strep throat. The infection was visible to the naked eye, and she was extremely dehydrated, so the doctor admitted her for fluids and IV antibiotics. She was advised that even after her release, she would likely still be contagious and would need to take a few days off work since she works with immunocompromised clients in home health. She called her boss from the hospital and explained the situation and was immediately placed on a nine-day suspension without pay.

Dakota recently started a new job, so he doesn't have any time off available, but with the help of friends and family pitching in with their three children (ages 12, 10, and 13 months), he's been able to work and be with her as much as possible. He's exhausted but so very grateful that he's able to spend time with Shelby, knowing the kids are in good hands.

By Friday, her pain had elevated to an almost unbearable level, and the abscess in her throat was threatening her airway. She was unable to speak and was showing signs of rapidly progressing septicemia.

The doctor decided to take her into surgery Friday afternoon in an attempt to drain the abscess, but once he opened the wound, he could see that the infection was much worse than he thought. He immediately stopped the procedure, and she was placed on a ventilator to protect her airway, and Shelby was then placed in a medically-induced coma. Later that afternoon, she was placed in ICU as her condition continued to deteriorate. That night, an ambulance took her to the ICU in St. John's Hospital in Tulsa, where she remains in a coma and breathing with the help of a ventilator.

Most nights, Dakota gets off work in Ada, drives to Tulsa to spend the night by her side, and then leaves early enough in the morning to make it back to work in time. Even though she's unconscious, she seems to know when he's there and seems to rest a little easier, so to him, it's definitely worth the lack of sleep.

Today, they did another CAT scan, so we should have more information tomorrow. We're hopeful that they'll be able to wean her off of the ventilator soon, but of course, there are no guarantees. Shelby's extremely sick. And of course, we're terrified. She's in a really good hospital, and the nurses and doctors have been wonderful, but it's still so scary. Especially for the kids.

And of course, there are the bills. They've explained that, even in the best-case scenario, we're looking at a 6-week recovery or more. And it's very doubtful that she'll retain her job since they suspended her as soon as she was admitted to the hospital. So... we're asking for a little help, if you can? Driving back and forth to Tulsa in Dakota's old pickup, losing one income, all the medical bills and medications that will be necessary even after she's released, possibly rehabilitation, medical equipment... we just don't know yet how big this might be.

Thank you for any help you might be able to offer, even if it's just to share this post - and of course, all prayers are needed and welcome.

UPDATE 7-25-25

First, let me say thank you to everyone who has so generously spent your time, money, and prayers to help this little family in crisis. We are humbled by your kindness, and truly could not have done it without you.

Now... for the update; She's awake and breathing on her own! The doctors decided to lighten her sedation in hopes of removing her from the ventilator - and yes, it was a little scary! - but she was determined to at least be well enough to leave the ICU, because no children are even allowed on that floor of the hospital. She misses the kids terribly, and absolutely cannot wait to hug them. This whole experience has been an absolute nightmare - but St. John's has been truly amazing.

Shelby's feeling much better, but she's still so very weak. We have to remind her that she's been asleep for a week and needs to take things slowly. She didn't even know she was in Tulsa until she woke up.

The doctors are optimistic that she might be released sometime early next week if she continues to improve. Shelby, on the other hand, firmly believes she'll be going home way before that lol Needless to say, we're all very grateful for that stubborn streak - it just might be what saves her.

Please continue to keep Shelby in your prayers - her journey to recovery is just beginning. Thank you again for everything!