Support Yvonne's Journey to Full Recovery

Dear Friends and family,

On October 17, our beloved colleague and friend Yvonne faced a life-threatening episode that changed everything instantly. What she initially thought might be the flu turned out to be septic shock. Miraculously, she was close enough to an Urgent Care to drive herself there, but the Urgent Care medical staff quickly realized the seriousness of her condition and called an ambulance. Thankfully, trusted medical personnel took over from there as Yvonne became disoriented at this point. Scarily, she cannot recall much until she became aware of her surroundings once again after being in the ER for some time.

Doctors soon discovered Yvonne’s condition was severe. Her blood pressure dropped dangerously low, which along with other markers, led to her being diagnosed with sepsis—a devastating infection that, left untreated, can very quickly lead to organ failure and death. A CT scan was ordered and doctors discovered that a kidney blockage and a severe infection turned out to be the source of the sepsis. She was immediately ordered into surgery to remove the infected fluids and install a drainage device to circumvent the blockage, marking the beginning of her long and challenging road to recovery.

After fighting an additional infection, which prolonged her ICU stay to eight days, Yvonne was finally able to return home to her children and continue her still long journey ahead of healing, while still carrying the medical device that helps drain her kidney until doctors find a permanent solution. Her recovery ahead includes home medical care, one or more surgeries to address the root cause of the blockage and to prevent future infections, as well as a prolonged period of healing and rehabilitation.

Happily, Yvonne is on the road to a full recovery. She is immensely grateful and credits God and the prayers of family and friends for her hope and for her miraculous turnaround.

Unfortunately, the medical bills from her ICU stay, past and future surgeries, and ongoing treatment and the time off required are continuously adding up, creating a heavy burden she can’t shoulder alone. With her permission, I have started a GoFundMe page to help support her for the care and rehabilitation she needs to fully recover so she can return to her regular activities and duties with her children, family, friends, and the students she serves.

Every prayer, contribution, or share will mean a great deal.

Your kindness means the world to her and to all of us who love her.

Blessings to you all.