Elissa's Health and Hopeful Recovery

Hello beautiful friends and family of Elissa! My sisters and I wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on with our mom. I don’t know where to start with this, and it feels extremely weird / uncomfortable to ask for help; but my mom has been in the ICU this past week with no foreseeable end in sight.

Every time someone asks me how my mom is doing, I feel torn in a million pieces + am terrified of the current reality, which is that she’s not getting any better.

As some of you may be aware, my mom was originally admitted into the hospital with bronchitis, which then turned to pneumonia; she has blood clots on her lungs, and her oxygen levels are still extremely low, even after days of treatment. She has sepsis and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure right now, and is truly fighting for her life.

My mom; the woman who brought me into this world and raised my sisters and I singlehandedly on her own, is experiencing devastating lows. My mom has nurtured my sisters and I, and now, seeing her in this condition is probably the most painful thing I have ever witnessed. This past week (especially the past 24 hours) has been horrific and harrowing. My heart hurts, knowing there’s a possibility she may not recover – and if she does, she won’t be the same (at least for a long time, as the road to recovery will be an arduous one). She is bedridden, unable to speak and has short term-memory loss, is unaware of where she is, and the list goes on; I think the worst part is that this journey has taken a hit at her consciousness. She just celebrated her 52nd birthday two weeks ago, and we Facetimed and talked about all the places we dream of traveling together (starting with Williamsburg and Harper’s Ferry, as her father used to take her to these places as a little girl).

I don’t know if my mom will be able to function 100% again. I cried a lot today… and yesterday… and the day before. I’m barely able to hold it together, and I don’t know what’s next on any level. I can’t find the right words to express what’s in my head or heart, and the present feels impossible. I want to believe that my mom will make a full recovery and return to the woman we all know her as. She is constantly helping others, and for those who know Elissa, she never asks for anything in return. She gives and gives and gives, and puts her own needs aside.

Right now, I’m baring my soul to the greatest degree + uttering more prayers than I ever have in my life. I know my mom’s post-care rehabilitation and road to recovery will be an extensive process that will require continued physical therapy and a variety of healing modalities. The cost of her care + other living expenses are beginning to add up and are already exceeding her medical insurance, in addition to the financial resources that my sisters and I are able to provide. I have come back from California at this time and am in New Jersey now to care for these matters, and it’s with the utmost humility + gratitude that we’re reaching out for help. Even if you cannot contribute financially, any form of support is appreciated right now. Kind/uplifting messages, silly memes, a link to a video that made you laugh one time… truly, anything. We appreciate you, as we attempt to navigate this unchartered, uphill journey with our mom. Thanks for being patient with us in this process.

-Katelyn, Lindsay, Brenna