Kimberly Leitch
Donation protected
Our mother, Kimberly Leitch, was admitted to the emergency room early Wednesday morning, March the 14th. She was found that morning by her husband, Terry, on the bathroom floor, weak and unable to get up. When I (her daughter, Brittney) learned that she was traveling by ambulance to the hospital, I had assumed that she was dehydrated from being sick for several days with what she thought was the flu. I figured they'd replace her fluids and she'd be back home within a day or two. We had no idea of the nightmare that would unfold before us.
By the time Kim reached the hospital, her body had gone into septic shock and her kidneys were beginning to fail. She was quickly admitted to the hospital's Critical Care Unit (CCU) where they induced her into a coma. As the night progressed, she continued to get sicker and sicker. The prognosis was bad. The look on the doctor's face, as he told us about her worsening condition, had us questioning if she would make it through the night. My brothers, our father and I gathered in Mom's room and we cried together. I really thought we were saying goodbye.
Over the next few days they were able to get Mom's vitals somewhat under control but we would be met with several more challenges through the coming weeks. Kim spent a total of 18 days in the CCU. During that time she was met with: septic shock, kidney failure, type 1 diabetes, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a stroke, internal bleeding and many other complications. The odds were certainly stacked against her but Mom is stronger than we could have imagined and fought her way through it.
She has since been discharged from the hospital but still has a long road ahead. She is now working hard in inpatient rehabilitation where she undergoes various therapies in an effort to regain her strength and mobility. As of today she is still unable to walk but she is getting stronger each day and we are so proud of her. There is no telling how long she will need inpatient care, but it will likely be several more weeks. Upon discharge, odds are, she will have to have some in-home and outpatient care for months to come.
Kim and Terry are no strangers to hardship. As some of you may know, Terry was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer 14 years ago. For anybody familiar with pancreatic cancer, you know what an incredible statement that is. Many people with such a diagnosis don't make it a couple of years. Terry has been been something of a human guinea pig in his fight against cancer, even going as far as Switzerland for experimental treatments. Despite his terminal diagnosis, Terry has continued his work full time as a superintendent for Holland Contracting.
Between the two of them, surmounting medical bills met with loss of income will be a great challenge moving forward. And so I write this, on behalf of our family, to anybody who as the inclination and the ability to lighten some of their financial burden. My family will forever be grateful for anything you are able to contribute. I thank you for taking the time to read Kim’s story.
Blessings to you all,
Brittney Sterner
(Derek Sterner, Garett Sterner/Jolyssa Ginkens, Cole & Ivy Leitch, Amy Leitch, Thomas & Blythe Leitch , Lindsey & Matt Richardson)
By the time Kim reached the hospital, her body had gone into septic shock and her kidneys were beginning to fail. She was quickly admitted to the hospital's Critical Care Unit (CCU) where they induced her into a coma. As the night progressed, she continued to get sicker and sicker. The prognosis was bad. The look on the doctor's face, as he told us about her worsening condition, had us questioning if she would make it through the night. My brothers, our father and I gathered in Mom's room and we cried together. I really thought we were saying goodbye.
Over the next few days they were able to get Mom's vitals somewhat under control but we would be met with several more challenges through the coming weeks. Kim spent a total of 18 days in the CCU. During that time she was met with: septic shock, kidney failure, type 1 diabetes, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a stroke, internal bleeding and many other complications. The odds were certainly stacked against her but Mom is stronger than we could have imagined and fought her way through it.
She has since been discharged from the hospital but still has a long road ahead. She is now working hard in inpatient rehabilitation where she undergoes various therapies in an effort to regain her strength and mobility. As of today she is still unable to walk but she is getting stronger each day and we are so proud of her. There is no telling how long she will need inpatient care, but it will likely be several more weeks. Upon discharge, odds are, she will have to have some in-home and outpatient care for months to come.
Kim and Terry are no strangers to hardship. As some of you may know, Terry was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer 14 years ago. For anybody familiar with pancreatic cancer, you know what an incredible statement that is. Many people with such a diagnosis don't make it a couple of years. Terry has been been something of a human guinea pig in his fight against cancer, even going as far as Switzerland for experimental treatments. Despite his terminal diagnosis, Terry has continued his work full time as a superintendent for Holland Contracting.
Between the two of them, surmounting medical bills met with loss of income will be a great challenge moving forward. And so I write this, on behalf of our family, to anybody who as the inclination and the ability to lighten some of their financial burden. My family will forever be grateful for anything you are able to contribute. I thank you for taking the time to read Kim’s story.
Blessings to you all,
Brittney Sterner
(Derek Sterner, Garett Sterner/Jolyssa Ginkens, Cole & Ivy Leitch, Amy Leitch, Thomas & Blythe Leitch , Lindsey & Matt Richardson)
Organizer
Brittney Sterner
Organizer
Forest City, IA