We ❤️ Susan Kim

THANK YOU for considering a contribution to Susan's medical and living costs. As you are probably aware, Susan is a self-employed mental health therapist, but will need to be on medical leave from her many clients as she recovers. Not only has she undergone neurosurgery, but she is also recovering in the ICU and will have months of speech and physical therapy ahead. We know she can't do this alone, and immensely appreciate YOU -- her village.

[From our CaringBridge story]:

If you know Susan, you will recognize her incredibly infectious laughter and joy; her easy support of others and encouragement to everyone around her to become themselves. Susan's work as a counselor and through the Allender Center has opened people's lives to be shared authentically, trauma to be healed, and has shown God's love for others through her selfless service in mental health. Susan holds many stories for others in her life, and today we invite you to share in holding Susan's story that has just come to light. 

Over the summer, Susan's friends and family noticed there was something different with Susan. She started to forget periods of time, grasped for words, and exhibited general malaise. It was not our veritable Susan. As the days progressed, Susan seemed to get a little worse, i.e., acting unlike herself, shuffled while walking, recognizing people and stories, but unable to speak the words out. After visiting the doctor and getting some labs done, Susan was encouraged to continue to find the malady that was occurring which resulted in a visit from her mom and sister in early November. It is important to note here that Susan's regression was incredibly sudden and severe. Those of us who were able to be with her have felt helpless and fearful for Susan. Susan, being the optimist and also suffering from acute memory loss, did not really understand the gravity of what others were seeing and experiencing of her.

During the week her family came to help, Susan felt very tired and could not walk without needing support. That afternoon, she was sent to urgent care and an MRI was performed which found a very large tumor pressing upon the left side of Susan's brain. 

At first glance, the doctors believe the tumor to be a meningioma, which is generally benign. The size of the tumor is  larger than two inches (6.8 cm) and the doctors believe this is the issue that is mostly to blame for the Susan's current physical and mental status. Twenty-five years ago, Susan was diagnosed with Leukemia at the beginning of her collegiate experience. She underwent severe chemo and radiation, including radiation to her brain to keep the Leukemia from spreading. Likely, this tumor is a result of the radiation and the Neurosurgeon believes this tumor will be benign, but we will not know until surgery is done and samples are taken for testing. At this same appointment, it was found that this tumor is worse than they originally thought and because of that, Susan was admitted to the hospital that very same day. 

As the COVID-19 surge continues on in the state of Washington, the governor has issued new regulations for "strongly encouraged" quarantine, and hospitals are bracing for more beds to be taken up by more severe cases. With this happening, Susan's admittance to the hospital will be very strict, allowing only one designated person to visit daily. Susan's mom, Grace, has volunteered/been chosen as tribute (hehe). UPDATE: Susan's surgery took place for over five hours on Wednesday 11/18/20.  Updates have been posted on the CaringBridge Journal.

We have been bolstered by the ways in which Susan's community has responded with prayers and offers of support. Please continue to pray for her Neurosurgeon (Dr. Lee) and the facilities at Swedish Cherry Hill - the last thing we need is the pandemic to reach Susan as well. 

We see hope around every corner -- from the medications that have had a very immediate effect, as well as the availability of a bed for Susan to be admitted during this surge in the pandemic. We know God is with Susan and we know it because we can feel the community support around her and the Kim family. 

We will use this site to keep everyone up to date on what is happening and will ask for tangible support of Mama Kim and Susan as she recovers and convalesces. We also ask that you refrain from visits to Susan when she returns home given the pandemic surge, her energy level and need for rest, and the hope of quiet that makes healing possible. 

Thank you everyone. Sending you a big generous warm hug from Susan.