Strength & Support for Shelly Billington

Strength & Support for Shelly

Medical emergencies can impact anyone, anytime, anywhere. When distance separates us from the ones we care for, we can often feel helpless in how we can help. With permission from the family, I have started a GoFundMe page to assist the family of my dearest friend Shelly Billington.

On January 27th, 2025 Shelly was taken by ambulance to the Intensive Care Unit at Tanner Hospital in Carrollton, Georgia. Shelly’s oxygen saturation was at 36%. Upon admission, they discovered she was in acute congestive heart failure and acute renal failure and her blood pressure was around 60/30. Shelly had been battling an upper respiratory infection that unfortunately turned into MRSA pneumonia and began attacking her heart. Shelly was placed on a ventilator to alleviate the strain on her lungs and heart. Shelly’s lungs were the primary focus due to the permanent damage they had sustained and it has been a waiting game to see how her body would respond to the antibiotics.

On February 14 we received some incredible news. Piedmont would accept Shelly and do an ECMO and consider Shelly for a lung transplant. She was transported almost immediately and upon arrival they did a full-body CT and found two unfortunate findings—A small bleed on her brain and her lungs are becoming very fibrotic. There is some healthy lung tissue left, but it’s very minimal. Dr. Barrett, the head of ECMO at Piedmont and her surgeon, said there’s a small chance her lungs will recover, so we need to prepare for a lung transplant.

She had another central line put in, as her first one had almost completely failed while at Tanner. Within the next 24 hours they will be repeating her head CT to make sure the brain bleed is stable or improving. If she gets green lights, it’s GO time. Tomorrow they will start lightening her sedation, and she may even be sitting up. Within 48 hours they want her walking. This will give Shelly an increased chance of getting accepted for a lung transplant.

For those of you that have not had the pleasure of knowing Shelly, let me tell you a little bit about this wonderful, kind & caring soul. Shelly met & married the love of her life, Kris Billington in January 2013 and they welcomed their two amazing children Raelee (11) & Reagan (6). Shelly has always had the biggest most compassionate heart of anyone I know, she is truly the epitome of kind, caring & compassionate, Shelly can walk into a room and light it up with her amazing smile, beautiful eyes and her contagious laughter. She has a heart of GOLD!

Shelly has always had such a positive impact in countless children’s lives in her various roles in the early childhood education field. She has cared for, loved and looked after many children including my very own son and niece. My sister-in-law & brother-in-law were lucky enough to have Shelly as a teacher and her positive impact reaches countless lives. Her commitment and unconditional love to all the children in her care is something to behold.

Shelly and I have shared many laughs and good times. We have also shared some very difficult times but I could always count on Shelly for a hug, a heart to heart, & a good cry but it always ended with a good laugh no matter what we were going through. No matter where Shelly was, no matter what she was going through, she always sent me and my son a birthday gift each year. Her thoughtful & selfless ways have always been a characteristic that defines her and sets her apart from all.

With so many friends & family reaching out wanting to help in any way, I thought this would be the best way to help the family so they can focus on supporting Shelly in her fight.

Please donate if you are able, above all, please send up a prayer for this wonderful women, friend & mother who has changed so many lives for the better! We love you Shelly! Keep fighting!