Chrystal Thomas

Hi,

I wanted to share something with you regarding one of my co-workers, Chrystal Thomas. Approximately ten days ago, Chrystal’s daughter Maggie (15), was diagnosed with the flu. She was treated, however, a couple of days later Maggie was having difficulty breathing. Maggie was rushed to the hospital, where they discovered that she also has ARDS, or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome which was caused by a severe build-up of fluids in her lungs. In addition, Maggie was also diagnosed with pneumonia and a staph infection. As a result of all of the strain on her body, she was diagnosed with MODS as well, which is Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. On Sunday, Maggie had to be resuscitated three times within a short time frame and was placed on a ventilator and a medically induced coma so that her body could rest and fight off the infections. Also, the doctors found that Maggie has necrosis in her lung, meaning, there is death in the tissue. Maggie is now on an ECMO which is in place in addition to the ventilator to give her lungs and her heart a break from all of the strain that was put on them.

The last 2.5 weeks have been a whirlwind for Chrystal, as you can imagine. If you know Chrystal or have ever worked with or spoken with Chrystal, you know that she is strong and driven and she does not give up. When I tell you that Maggie is a carbon copy of her, I am not exaggerating. Chrystal has been right there with her the entire time, ensuring that Maggie is taken care of, is comfortable, that the right questions are being asked, and is the best advocate that anybody could ever ask for. Maggie has shown that she is just as strong as her Mom. With her Mom by her side, Maggie is literally in a fight for her life, and she is ready for the challenge. We will not take this for granted and we know that there is a long, long road ahead.

When one of our fellow Heartlanders is going through a critical situation in their lives, I have seen time and time again how we come together and support one another. This is one of those times. Chrystal is fiercely independent (and this is an understatement…..), and never asks for anything. When I asked her what we could do to support her, she said that she wants Maggie to come home with her. At this time, we know that Maggie will be in the hospital through the holidays.

The next several days are going to be rough. The goal is to reduce the sedative that she is on and get some oxygen flowing through her body. Each milestone is a true testament to Maggie and Chrystal's endurance and strength

The family would appreciate any prayers you can give them, as well as any monetary donations to help with these unexpected expenses that have come up. No amount is too small and we want to thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.

Jessica