We Love Lucy

It is a struggle for words when trying to describe the heart heaviness, deep love, and ribbon of hope in our mom's story. This is a really difficult time for our family and we are so touched by all the love and care sent my mom's way. Here's her story and opportunities to support her on the journey ahead.

Lucy Dykyj, our mom, suffered a severe medical emergency on April 7th. Her back was in excruciating pain and she could no longer walk. She made it to the ER and learned that she had a bacterial blood infection. Within 24 hours, it was confirmed that she had MRSA in her spine and was helicoptered to a neighboring hospital for immediate high risk spinal surgery in attempt to clear the infection and save her life.

Her surgery revealed the severity of her infection and sections of 7 vertebrae were removed to relieve the acute pressure on her spinal cord in a procedure called a laminectomy. The combination of the infection and the impact of this surgical procedure has left Lucy with significant paralysis from the neck down.

Lucy is still in the ICU receiving care for her blood infection. The future is uncertain and her doctors say once her infection clears, the next few months will illuminate the path ahead. Lucy has a long healing journey laid before her and we're told it can be years before recovery. Knowing the route forward, Lucy is working hard on regaining sensation and small movements each day.

If you found this page because you know our mom, you likely know that she is a giver. She does so much for others and yet it seems so hard to care for herself. She has absolutely loved her work as a hair stylist since she began her career at age 16 and now her body demands that it is time for rest. And rest is hard. Rest is very hard for Lucy.

So here we are at the beginning of a new path of radical rest, recovery, and healing. Our mom is no longer able to work. Now her work is focusing on herself and her healing.

We've been absolutely blindsided by all the care and support offered in the time since this has unfolded and created this page to open a path to directly support our mom. Lucy has a tough time asking for help, so her family is doing it for her.

Even a $1 gift helps lighten the load so Lucy can address her recovery needs in the coming months and years. We are still trying to comprehend the enormity of the path ahead and are so very grateful for any support.

Lucy cannot access the internet in her condition, so we also invite you to send your support, prayers, thoughts, and/or healing vibes the old-fashioned snail mail way with a card, postcard, photos of you together, or mailable piece of art so we can surround her with all our love on this journey ahead. These will be displayed in her room so she can feel every ounce of love and support along each step of the way.

Disclaimer: Due to Lucy's condition, all donations will be collected and forwarded to her by her daughter, Diana.