Shelly Dudzik

My name is Liz Baird, and Shelly and I have been friends since high school in Winona. I like to think I am responsible for talking her into becoming a Wisconsinite and I am so happy to have her close, especially now.

Shelly is a mom of three, Paige, Nora, and Chase, Kevin's beloved wife, volunteer youth volleyball coach, dedicated employee of Werner Electric, and thoughtful friend.

As some of you know, Shelly and her family’s lives have been upturned in a very short time, and they have a challenging road ahead. On August 27th, 2022, after having some unusual symptoms for several weeks, Shelly was diagnosed with a golf ball-sized brain tumor. Unsure of the speed of growth or if this was cancerous, her medical team quickly put a plan into action, and she had the tumor removed on September 1st, 2022. The surgery was a success, and they believe they were able to get the entire tumor. They were unsure of the surgery's effects but knew she could expect some deficits after surgery. She has had right-sided movement and sensation issues and is currently at a rehab facility in Waukesha. Shelly has progressed at a fantastic speed so far! She regained movement and use of her right arm within a week. Her speech is doing great (she’s good at practicing this!) The largest obstacle has been use of her right leg, but is making great strides, literally. She has regained sensation and limited mobility. She has been working hard in therapy daily and is anxious to work hard to regain her full function. 

Beyond the current surgical recovery, Shelly was unsure of the road she had ahead, but the pathology came back on September 13th and was great news = Grade 1 meningioma, NON-CANCEROUS! This means regular scans to make sure it is not reforming, but thankfully no radiation or chemo!

Shelly’s goal is to be able to come home by October 1st but will require outpatient physical and speech therapy for an undetermined time. 

They have had incredible support from family and friends, meals, help with the kids, etc. and are grateful for this support

Needless to say, Shelly is suddenly unable to work and Kevin has needed to fill her shoes at home, fulfill parenting duties, and be there for Shelly. 

I wanted to provide a place for those wishing to help lessen the financial worries for Shelly and her family. The funds will go to help replace income and medical bills. Feel free to provide well wishes here as well.