Mindy Keegan’s Road to Recovery

Our dear friend, Mindy Keegan, became very ill and in immense pain on Sunday, March 16th. She took an ambulance in the middle of the night to Westmoreland Hospital. She was quickly admitted, and as the day progressed, her pain worsened, and her vitals were displaying that her body was in distress. She developed a huge bruise on her left arm. Early Monday morning, when she was assessed by a new doctor, he decided to do an exploratory surgery. His quick thinking saved Mindy’s life. During this surgery, he found that Mindy’s body was fighting a horrific bacteria called Necrotizing Fasciitis that was attacking her upper left arm and left side of her back. They instantly arranged a life flight for Mindy, and she was flown to Allegheny General Hospital. Mindy was intubated from Monday, March 17th to Friday, March 21st. During this time, she had 5 surgeries to remove the infection. The excellent team of Infectious Disease doctors discovered that she had Strep Throat, and it somehow got into her blood and settled in her arm. This caused Necrotizing Fasciitis and Toxic Shock Syndrome. The only way to combat this is to remove the infected tissues. Since waking up on Friday, March 21st, Mindy has slowly learned what happened and has had 4 more surgeries to confirm the infection is gone and care for the wounds.

Unfortunately, on Monday, March 31st, Mindy had her first surgery with the plastics team, and a pocket of infection was found in the same region on her back. The surgeons took what they could and will go back in a few more times to confirm she is infection-free. This is a major setback, as she is back on antibiotics and in immense pain. Her restorative surgeries and rehab will be paused until it is confirmed that she is infection-free.

Mindy has a very long road ahead filled with more surgeries, skin grafts, and then rehabilitation to re gain strength in her left arm and left side of her back. She has determination and an amazing spirit that will carry her through this.

Her main focus is to get home to her two amazing sons, Tanner (8) and Wyatt (11).

With unforeseen medical bills, adaptive clothing, equipment, bills and 6+ weeks in the hospital, we thought this was the best way to support Mindy and her family during this difficult time.

Please keep Mindy and her family in your prayers!!!