Help Matthew McDonell Fight For His Life
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Early morning, January 11 2021, Matthew McDonell drove himself to the ER with unbearable stomach pain. If you know Matt, you know that he has an extremely high tolerance for pain, so it must have been really bad. He reported back to family that he had been diagnosed with pancreatitis, and everyone was in the mindset that he would rest up and be home soon with medication.
It quickly became clear that more was going on with Matt, and he was transferred to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis; his pancreas was dying and sepsis was setting in. This began affecting his breathing and consciousness. In the time it took to run more tests, his kidneys began failing and he was admitted to the ICU, where he was put on a ventilator. The sepsis continued to affect other organs while we waited for Matthew's body and the antibiotics to kick in and fight back.
On Tuesday, January 12, he was given a less than 50% chance to make it as he headed into surgery to relieve the pressure that was causing his abdomen to swell. Tuesday was a day of us all holding our breaths, crying and praying. Late Tuesday night, he began dialysis via his neck to assist his kidneys.
By Wednesday morning, Matthew's oxygen was low, and it was revealed that he had developed slight pneumonia. Surgery was needed immediately to assist his lungs.
Thursday, January 14, Matthew underwent another surgery to assist the pancreas in healing (I'll refrain from sharing too many gory details)...
As of today, Matthew is still in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator. We don't have a specific prognosis, as we are taking everything minute by minute.
We know that Matt is freakishly, strong and if anyone can fight back, it's him.
As a family, we can't help but let our minds wander to the future. Even if Matthew begins recovering right away, he is expected to remain in the hospital for at least a month. That's pretty much the extent of what we know for sure, at this point. The reality of the mounting hospital bills, combined with future recovery plus daily life, is a bit overwhelming. Matthew has been the sole provider for his family; his wife Danielle, and his 7-year-old twin boys, Asher and Brayden. While extended family would love to be able to jump in and take over, this is, frankly, more than any one family can handle. Matt is not the type of person who would ask anyone for help, especially financially, but it is so needed right now. He is such a kind soul (he would have a great sarcastic comment for me saying that about him), and is always the first person we all call for help, whether it be physical (it's usually physical as he's freakishly strong), emotional or financial. If you're his friend or family member, you know this, as I'm sure he's helped you many times in the past; if you are not, and you are reading this, please know that he would do the same for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read Matthew's story, and for considering to help him and his beautiful family.
It quickly became clear that more was going on with Matt, and he was transferred to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis; his pancreas was dying and sepsis was setting in. This began affecting his breathing and consciousness. In the time it took to run more tests, his kidneys began failing and he was admitted to the ICU, where he was put on a ventilator. The sepsis continued to affect other organs while we waited for Matthew's body and the antibiotics to kick in and fight back.
On Tuesday, January 12, he was given a less than 50% chance to make it as he headed into surgery to relieve the pressure that was causing his abdomen to swell. Tuesday was a day of us all holding our breaths, crying and praying. Late Tuesday night, he began dialysis via his neck to assist his kidneys.
By Wednesday morning, Matthew's oxygen was low, and it was revealed that he had developed slight pneumonia. Surgery was needed immediately to assist his lungs.
Thursday, January 14, Matthew underwent another surgery to assist the pancreas in healing (I'll refrain from sharing too many gory details)...
As of today, Matthew is still in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator. We don't have a specific prognosis, as we are taking everything minute by minute.
We know that Matt is freakishly, strong and if anyone can fight back, it's him.
As a family, we can't help but let our minds wander to the future. Even if Matthew begins recovering right away, he is expected to remain in the hospital for at least a month. That's pretty much the extent of what we know for sure, at this point. The reality of the mounting hospital bills, combined with future recovery plus daily life, is a bit overwhelming. Matthew has been the sole provider for his family; his wife Danielle, and his 7-year-old twin boys, Asher and Brayden. While extended family would love to be able to jump in and take over, this is, frankly, more than any one family can handle. Matt is not the type of person who would ask anyone for help, especially financially, but it is so needed right now. He is such a kind soul (he would have a great sarcastic comment for me saying that about him), and is always the first person we all call for help, whether it be physical (it's usually physical as he's freakishly strong), emotional or financial. If you're his friend or family member, you know this, as I'm sure he's helped you many times in the past; if you are not, and you are reading this, please know that he would do the same for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read Matthew's story, and for considering to help him and his beautiful family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Briana McDonell
Organizer
Huntington Beach, CA
Christine McDonell
Beneficiary