Maria's fight for life

Hi, my name is Erin and I'm fundraising in an effort to help offset the exorbitant cost of medical bills, travel and time away from work for my beloved brother and sister-in-law, Shane and Maria Krupinski.

Maria is currently in the ICU at the University of Chicago in critical condition.

On 02/24/2023, Shane returned from a business trip. As his plane touched down he was notified by a neighbor that Maria, his wife of 19 years had been taken by ambulance from their home.

Maria was admitted into Northwestern Hospital with inflammation in her abdominal cavity and jaundice. She was in pain, her body was weak, but soon she was well enough to transfer to an acute physical therapy rehabilitation center. There, Maria was making progress with her physical and occupational therapy. Things were hopeful.

On 03/14/2023, Maria's health took a catastrophic turn. Complaining of abdominal pain, she was sent out to Advocate Condell where she was found to be in septic shock. Labs, scans and x-rays revealed an inflamed gallbladder, gallstones, pancreatitis, an inflamed and failing liver, UTI, fluid in her lung as well as fluid collecting around her pancreas. The hospital initiated their sepsis protocol, but she required a higher level of care.

That same night, Maria was transferred to Luthern General hospital. In less than 6 hours, she was admitted into the ICU battling sepsis, acute liver failure and pancreatitis among other things. Despite her medical teams efforts, her health continued to decline. Her breathing was labored, her oxygen levels kept dropping and further testing revealed acute Respiratory failure and encephalopathy. Maria's medical team at Luthern General concluded her best chance of survival would be under the care of the University of Chicago's transplant team.

On 03/20/2023, Maria was intubated and transferred by ambulance from Luthern General to the University of Chicago where she is currently in the ICU. During Maria's stay at Luthern General, she lost her ability to speak but is awake, can track with her eyes and nod her head.

I know this outreach for help will not sit well with my brother. He has too much pride. However, the cost for Maria's medical care, ambulance transports to different hospitals, the time Shane takes off from work, the cost of travel and parking on top of normal cost of living expenses such as his mortgage, bills and essentials are crippling. I'm hopeful those who read this post, who know Shane, Maria or their families can find it in their heart to help make this difficult time just a little bit easier.

Shane and Maria are extraordinary people. They both have hearts of gold. I'm forever indebted to them for the love and support they have given to me and my children.

I apologize in advance for this public display, Shane. But I know this is a trying time and I will do whatever I can to help you and Maria.

Much love, always!