Carrie Whipple and Family

Carrie has had multiple surgeries  and hospital stays over the last 2 years which were initially necessary  to  treat severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). With the GERD being as severe as it was, she was unable to maintain a healthy weight and was at high risk for esophageal cancer. After years of medicine to help with symptoms,  the decision was made to undergo a major surgery called Nissen Fundoplication which essentially wraps the upper portion of your stomach around your esophagus. The goal of the surgery is to keep acid from being able to build up which improves GERD and allows the  esophagus to heal. Unfortunately, there were major complications which resulted in extreme pain, inability to keep food down and inability to gain weight. After surgery she had multiple procedures to loosen and stretch the wrap in an attempt to relieve the symptoms. They also attempted to correct it with a partial Fundoplication, again, major surgery.  She continued to have symptoms. She has a new diagnosis as a result, Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness after eating very little. There is no known cure for this disease.  She was losing weight quickly and is at a dangerously low weight. She made the life changing decision to have a feeding tube (GJ tube) placed in her abdomen in order to get the nutrients that she needs to live. She had surgery to place the tube on September 4.  She will need a new tube placed every 3 months and will continue to be monitored closely by her care team. We are hopeful that this will help her put on weight and give her the energy that she needs to enjoy the beautiful life that she and Mike have built together!

For those of you who know Carrie, you know that she is a caregiver. Not only as a profession but also as a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She would do anything for anyone and puts others needs before her own. Throughout all of this she has been so positive and would never ask for help. Remember, she cares for everyone else. 

The medical bills and need to close her daycare for periods of time to recover from surgeries have taken a financial toll. Carrie is a fighter and will continue to fight this disease.  If we can take some of the financial pressure off of them it would allow them to focus on getting her healthy! Please consider a donation in any amount. I know Carrie, Mike, Tyler, Abbie and Rachel are so grateful for all of the love and prayers! 

 Thank you so much!!

Mandy Hansen