How to Help

As you probably know, Karen is recovering from a double lung transplant. For a more detailed description of The McGinnis Family and everything they have been through, please see their story on the gofundme site, which is linked on the right of this page. If you would like to help, please see the list below of things that would really help them during this difficult time:

1. Thoughts and Prayers - This is most important to the family and they really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers! Please leave a comment on the blog for Karen to read!

2. Food - On this site is a link for the food calendar. There are no allergies and the only food that is not a favorite for all of them (but some of them do like it) is seafood.

3. Other Gift Cards - If cooking is not your thing, they would always be happy to have gift cards. The gas costs are piling up as the kids drive back and forth to the hospital. Grocery store gift cards and gift cards to places like Walmart or Target for household items would also be very much appreciated.

4. Monetary Donations - the GoFundMe site is also linked on the side of this page. They have recently found out that insurance isn't covering Karen's last hospital visit, which is costing more than $17,000! Also, they will be eating a lot at the hospital over the next several weeks and that money can add up as well. --If you would like to donate something but can't get it to their house (or mail it), please let me know and I would be happy to pick it up and deliver it to the family! stacey.grote@huschblackwell.com

Please see below for updates on Karen's progress. Go Karen, Go!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Update from Mike 1/25


Saturday night and Sunday morning were very difficult and a step backwards Karen had a very hard time breathing and was also in a lot of pain. Her numbers fell throughout the night causing them to raise her oxygen intake. She didn't sleep causing her to be exhausted this morning. She became very anxious which in turn made it difficult for her to relax and take deep breaths. The doctors wanted her epidural taken out so Karen would have less chance of infection. With the epidural out, Karen really became uncomfortable so they had to raise the level of the pain meds they were giving her.
Later in the day it was time for some physical therapy, but she was having none of it. She was hurting so bad and she was also extremely exhausted. I know you might find it hard to believe, but Karen became very stubborn. Karen stubborn? I know right!
Well I had a talk with her and she reluctantly gave in and slowly with the help of the PT and some nurses, got out of bed.
I wish you could have seen our girl. She made a full lap around the entire ICU. Feeling very embarrassed, I had to plead with Karen to slow down because she was going too fast causing my pulse to skyrocket, in trying to keep up with her. The Roadrunner would have been jealous.
Our tough tough girl made the lap without having to stop and sit. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so so proud of you Karen!

No comments:

Post a Comment