Thoughts, prayers for Michelle Renna's recovery

Michelle (Medina) Renna has been one of my best friends for more than 30 years. And we need your help.

What started out as a reaction to an antibiotic has paved the way for an extended hospital stay from severe ulcerative colitis -- something that has hit her completely out of left field. Early this year, she wasn't feeling well. She was dealing with her doctors, changing prescriptions, making trips to the ER, losing weight quickly and wondering what was next. What was next, as it turns out, was an admission to the hospital three weeks into the new year, and she's still there.

She was admitted into Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City on Jan. 22, then after two days and no sign that they could get her stabilized, she was emergency transferred to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest in Allentown. After three days with no sign that they would be able to stabilize her there, either, Michelle was transferred into advance care, where she has been ever since until this week.

Doctors were ultimately pushed into emergency surgery, but thankfully caught the situation in time for surgery to be successful. Shelle is healing well and was moved out of ICU last night and back into advanced care, where she will remain for the duration of her recovery. We're hoping to have her home by the end of next week. Thank you for your continued concern, and please send your thoughts and prayers, and any healing light, her way.

A medical emergency can suck the life out of you both literally and monetarily. Michelle needs to focus on healing and getting home, but the reality is that out-of-pocket maximums are around $10,000.

If you know Michelle, you know she cares about one thing above all others, and that's taking care of people. If you know Michelle, you also know she doesn't like asking for help, and she'd really rather not. That's why I'm here.

She'd prefer you treat this like a tip at the bar. Ever had great service? She ever remember your drink order without you asking? Did she ever give you some advice, or check on you? Has she ever made you laugh? Maybe put a tip in this tip jar, whatever you can handle, to help pay off these medical bills and create a little cushion to help her rebound and focus on what matters.

Thank you! All donations go directly to Michelle.