Attending at Medical Facilities Out of Town

Hi, as some of you may or may not know, we recently almost lost my sister Joyce MacKay to a life-threatening illness.

What started as pnemonia went Septic (blood infection). 

On September 17 at the entrance to our hospital, she quit breathing. She was intubated and suffered heart eurythmia, low blood pressure, and ultimately kidney failure. She was sent by air ambulance to Owen Sound. After 3 days in Owen Sound ICU, she was further sent by air ambulance to the ICU in Sarnia, where a specialized slow dialysis machine was needed. With 9 different IV bags, as well as many other life saving attachments, she was kept fully sedated for the next 3 weeks, to minimize trauma. 

They said she might remain hospitalized for 6 months.

The good news! She has just this week been revived from sedation, and has been progressing at such a rapid pace, the doctors and nurses are astounded. She will need lots of physio and further attention to get her back to good health, and we are still hoping her kidneys will fully recover, but we are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief!

Between myself, her daughter Jasmine, and mostly her wonderful husband Dave, we have been with her almost every day to do physio on her, advocate for her with the doctors and nurses, and talk into her ear that we love her, and know she is capable to overcome this. She was listening!!!

Joyce and the 3 of us have been treated nothing short of exceptional at all 3 hospitals, and we will be forever grateful for all that these incredible medical professionals have done during this scary time.

While Joyce is making progress, it's going to be a long recovery and the doctor's don't know for certain how long she will have to remain in hospital or what follow up might entail. 

As you can imagine, traveling to Sarnia with hotel costs, gas, parking, etc. are all adding up, and these expenses may continue for some time. 

Any small amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated, and take some of the pressure off so we, and in particular Dave, can stay focused and be with Joyce as she continues on her recovery. 

Thank you so much for your thoughts, love, and support!

Connie