Trisha's Team

It started May 14. Trisha was having trouble breathing. Her husband, Nick, took her to the hospital and never got to bring her home.

Instead, he watched his wife of 30 years struggle for life, living with a machine breathing for her. He was there when her lung collapsed on a Wednesday and again on Friday when alarms went off and he immediately knew - she wasn't breathing. Medical staff brought her back and explained her lung had collapsed for a second time.

For two months Nick went home to their two daughters, Hailey and Taylor, trying to find something hopeful to share. He learned optimal Fi02 and peep numbers, watched Trisha's rise and fall. Her kidneys took a brutal beating, along with her lungs. Covid is no longer a news story. Now the story has a name … Trisha. 

During her hospitalization, Trish did wake up. She could mouth the words, “I love you” to her husband, sister, and kids. What a gift. They will have to hold onto that memory because, as hard as Trisha fought (and she really fought hard!), her lungs were too damaged  Nick and the girls made it in time to see her one last time before she left this Earth.

And now the hard work of surviving the death of a spouse you’ve had as a partner and friend for 30 years begins; of being a single father to two girls deeply grieving their mother. 

There’s also the reality of moving on financially. Nick works for Hilmar Cheese Company in the building and grounds department. Trisha had just started a new job in accounting at Brunk Industries when this happened. Nick will have to figure out how to make ends meet on just his income.

This isn’t the end of the story we expected or wanted  But we can at least make the ending of this chapter one of lavish generosity and love for the family Trisha loved and leaves behind.

Thank you!