Pam & Nick Mitchell Stroke Survival & Rehab Fund

1/3/24 Update: Thank you all so much for your amazing outpouring of support for Nick and Pam. Unfortunately, Pam has experienced some serious setbacks in the past few days, and earlier today was rushed into emergency surgery. This setback will necessitate at least a few additional weeks in the hospital before she can even transition to a rehab facility. You can read the details and updates as they come at the Caring Bridge link below. I have raised the fundraising goal to account for this new set of challenges. Please keep the love, good thoughts, and prayers coming as well.

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On December 23, Pam suffered a massive stroke and brain hemorrhage, while her husband Nick was driving her to the hospital. She had emergency surgery early Christmas Eve morning, but because her platelets were so low, the doctors were not able to stop the bleeding. They came out of surgery and informed Nick, Jessica and Nick Jr. that they should prepare for the unthinkable.

They moved Pam to ICU where they continued to pump platelets and everything possible to bring her levels up. At about 2pm on Christmas Eve, the doctors informed the family that Pam was finally at the very low end of the "normal" level for platelets and red cells, and although it was risky, they were willing to try again.

The 2nd time, the surgery worked, although with all of the caveats and tempering of expectations on what kind of outcome there would be for Pam.

She has stunned the doctors and everyone who loves her with her progress. She was able to have her breathing tube removed on the first try just 36 hours later. 24 hours after that, Physical Therapy was able to get her to briefly stand, take a couple of side steps, and sit in a chair for awhile. Truly astounding progress for someone in her situation.

Since then, Pam has had some setbacks, mainly due to unbearable head pain similar to the pain she was feeling when Nick rushed her to the hospital. However, her CT scans and MRIs continue to show improvement. Over New Year's weekend, Pam is still in debilitating pain and efforts to get her back into Physical Therapy have been paused.

Pam is showing everyone just how strong, courageous and determined she is! With all of that being said, she still has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Once she is discharged from the hospital, she will go to an intensive inpatient rehab facility. Before she goes home, many things will need to be done to the house to accommodate her as she continues to recover. Nick will eventually become her full time caregiver after inpatient acute therapy and occupational therapy visits, as long as she needs assistance.

Many of you have asked how you can help Nick and Pam. We are raising money to help them, and a gift of any amount would be greatly appreciated. Nick and Pam are very humble and kind, and would do anything to help their friends and family. However, it's very difficult for them to ask for help. This is one way we can make this situation easier for them. By asking for financial help, they are allowing all of us the opportunity to bless them during this unthinkable situation they find themselves in. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!

Updates on Pam's progress will be posted here, and at Caring Bridge:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/pammitchell3/journal

There are updates there now. The entire family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love, support, prayers and hope that so many people who love Pam have been sending to them. Thanks again for any donation that works for you.