Janice Brown aka The Big J.

Janice was doing well but had a turn for the worse on February 8, When she started exhibiting symptoms of what looked like another stroke. 911 was called, and, again, she was airlifted to Fargo. They discovered that she was having seizures, which can be caused from strokes. She spent two days in Fargo and came home on seizure medication and blood thinner. The side effects of the blood thinner is that she cannot take any falls or hit her head in any significant way because it could cause brain bleeding.

She will continue occupational therapy, but it will no longer be in-home. Bill will be driving her to her local appointments and Linda will be driving her to appointments in Fargo.

The signs of the type of seizures she has are similar to those of strokes so we were instructed to call 911 if she shows these signs or hits her head. Since Bemidji does not have a neurologist, this would inevitably lead to her being transferred to Fargo again. We are hoping that doesn’t happen but aware that it still remains a possibility.

Only time will tell if the seizure medicine is working and she is steady on her feet. She shows some periods of disorientation or confusion.

Needless to say, this has put a great deal of responsibility on Bill‘s shoulders. He just turned 80 on February 4.

Many friends and relatives have pitched in to help in numerous ways from Go Fund Me and personal monetary donations to prepared food delivery and friendly visits for which we are so grateful.

Janice, however, is not out of the woods and Bill has a great deal on his shoulders so any help (household chores, checking in on them, to running errands or transportation to local appointments to any of the above) would be very much appreciated.

To all the good folks out there who have been helping out in any way they can, we send big hugs and thank you so much!