Catherine Eichman

It's with a heavy heart that we are sharing that two weeks ago today, Wednesday September 20th, our sister Catherine Eichman suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm after a workout in San Antonio, TX. After her workout, she felt an immediate pain in her neck/head and became very ill. She would have to be rushed to the Emergency Room where they worked to stabilize her after she had lost consciousness. She was unable to breathe on her own and had to be intubated and prepped to be transferred to Neuro ICU at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital. Once there, they immediately placed a drain in her head to stop the bleeding of the aneurysm and prevent any other damage. The very next day, Thursday September 21st, would be critical for Cat. She had to undergo an endovascular coiling surgery in which coils are inserted to stop the bleeding in her brain. Her neurosurgeon said she had a 50% chance of surviving the surgery.. BUT Cat is a warrior. We knew we'd see her on the other side of those 3 hours. The neurosurgeon had to use six coils to stop the bleeding, explaining this is the highest coil amount he has ever had to use. She continues to battle with numerous major issues around this brain injury including being at high risk for vasospasm which can lead to a stroke.

Unfortunately yesterday, October 3rd, she suffered a stroke and had to undergo yet another emergency neurosurgery. The stroke severely affected her language skills and she's unable to communicate verbally. For the past 2 weeks, she has remained in the Neuro ICU where she is battling for her life and a new normal that awaits her. Cat is young and prior to her hospitalization, she was healthy and preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school at the end of the year. We are praying for the day that Catherine is no longer in the Neuro ICU and can begin the long recovery road ahead of her which will include speech, physical, and occupational therapy that we know of so far. Many of her family and friends have asked "How can we help?".

If you want to help Catherine during this challenging time, please consider making a donation to the fund that has been set up to assist with her medical bills, living expenses, and therapies once she’s discharged from the ICU. Your support can make a significant difference in her recovery journey.

If you’re able to donate- THANK YOU.

If you cannot, we would greatly appreciate sending thoughts, prayers, and positive energy to Catherine to provide emotional support and comfort during this trying time. It's often the collective support of friends, family, and the community that helps individuals like Catherine find the strength to overcome such adversity. We know Cat has crossed paths with many of you and with the support of so many, Cat will continue to battle this!

Catherine was named after "Catherine the Great" and we know she is meant to do so many more great things in this life....

On behalf of Catherine, thank you in advance, and thank you to everyone who has kept her in your thoughts and prayers. — The Eichman Family