Support Beth Duensing and Whit’s Fight for Life and Recovery

2025 has kicked off for Beth Duensing and Adam Kuettel and their family, with an emergency that escalated to catastrophic level for Beth, who is 27 weeks pregnant with her and Adam’s baby Whit.

In times like these we as their friends, family, community, and even strangers cannot underestimate that alongside prayers, and holding them in our thoughts with positivity, that activating our own networks to give to them in small and large ways, can be a powerful contribution to help them be able to continue to fight this battle for life from a foundation of mental peace, alleviating the stress of wondering if there will be a home to return to, and to give them a hope of a strong recovery where they can continue investing in their dreams of family and opening a beautiful pediatric clinic, after this unexpected tragedy.

The Story, in Her Husband Adam’s Words

It all began when Beth started feeling unwell on Christmas Eve and visited the doctor, who gave her steroids. On December 30th, she went to the ER, where she was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and flu-a and given antibiotics.

By January 1st, her condition worsened, leading to breathing issues and bowel control problems; however, the ER only provided cold medicine. On January 2nd, she returned again due to continued deterioration. Finally, an X-ray revealed severe pneumonia, and she was admitted. Due to her pregnancy, doctors were hesitant to treat her aggressively. Beth, being a physician herself, recognized her symptoms early but was initially reluctant to push for more thorough care.

Regarding the picture, Beth would never forgive me when she comes off the vent if I had posted a picture of her, but she would want everyone to know her pedicure looks good as she lays here.

After she was admitted Friday morning, January 3rd, the hospital was still not taking things seriously enough. However her OB came by to check on her, and she was so distressed by what she saw that she set the world on fire.

I truly believe her OB saved her life. She essentially confronted the care team, took control of the situation, called in a rapid response team of 10 people and took over control. She then had her moved to the best ICU in the hospital and they took over care. Things did get better from there, and Beth started to improve, but the pneumonia had spread to a point Beth had developed ARSD or wet lung, and she couldn’t keep enough oxygen in her system for her or the baby.

There were moments where Beth was given a 50/50 change of survival, and at a point we had to make the decision to relegate our baby Whit's care. Choosing to allow the doctors to treat Beth with the life savings drugs she needed, while not knowing the effect they might have on Whit. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But he is a fighter like his mom and his heart heartbeat has remained steady through all of this. I've even seen him kicking from under Beth's hospital gown.

By day 11, after a lengthy battle with the insurance company, we finally got approval to airlift Beth to Shands UF hospital in Gainesville for specialized pulmonary and neonatal care. The staff, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and secretaries, provided incredible support and prayed over Beth and Whit, which was deeply moving.

When Beth and Whit landed and were stabilized, I cannot explain the relief I felt when they turned on Whit's heartbeat monitor and I could hear it beat so loudly.

Since arriving at the ECMO unit in Gainsville, we have learned that the head of the unit he wrote the textbook on ECMO and not only that he is one of the worlds leading experts on ECMO and pregnant women. What's even crazier is that our doctors in Mobile, Alabama didn't even know this. That said, God knew and a divine hand has been guiding her care.

By day 12, Beth had two full time specialist in the room with her and Whit has his own nurse watching his heartbeat 24/7. The staff and expertise here is nothing short of amazing. We've spoken to at least 25 doctors from 8 different departments who are on her case. They decided it was time for Ecmo, the treatment she was airflighted to have though the doctors had hoped to not have to use it. This will allow her body to have a break, and they are attempting to extubate, and wake her up - which doesn't even seem real.

That said its an extremely long recovery, we will be here for at least two months or more, and the doctor is giving her a 50/50 chance right now. The doctor said she is likely 1 of 3 patients in the world right now with this status.

Whit's chances are much like his mom's, but he is doing well considering and has had every test they can run on him. He is surprisingly good and they are avoiding delivering him at the moment, but as the days go by likely will.

This update brings us to yesterday, Day 13, Thursday, January 16th. Today was a long day, they took her off sedation at 2:00am. Her journey back to us is slow and its been hard to sit her and see her struggle with the pain and still being intubated.

She was diagnosed with pre clampsia today and one doctor on the team thinks it may be contributing to her ARDS, but they are treating it with magnesium.

Whit had a full battery of tests today, the actual measuring ones, and he is still growing although at a slower rate than before this.

Thank you again to everyone for the prayers and reaching out as we are on this journey. It's honestly hard to believe this is happening but it's helped so much to be able to talk to people and share.

How Your Donation Will Be Used

While it is a common perception that doctors and their families are financially well-off, the reality is that many do not have the advantage of fully funded education. Since I first met Beth 25 years ago during our time working at Limited Too, she has consistently been a bright light and source of positivity and strength. However, many may not be aware of the numerous challenges she has faced, including her battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

The Kuettel family has been striving to manage educational debt and bills while preparing for their dream of launching a pediatric clinic. During this unexpected emergency with both Adam and Beth currently unable to work, they are rapidly exhausting their Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits, vacation days, and savings. I truly believe Adam being the advocate by Beth's side is pivotal to her and Whit's stability and recovery.

Phase One of This Fundraiser - $20,000: Your immediate contributions will help cover essential expenses such as utilities, rent, and necessary baby supplies for Whit's arrival.

Our Commitment To You

As is often said it's not a sprint, it's a marathon, but in reality for Beth, Adam and the family they are in the midst of what may feel like a global triathlon.

Adam, myself (Esther Maria Swaty) and the team on this page are committed to providing regular updates on Beth and Whit's journey, ensuring that we share both the positive and challenging aspects with authenticity. Your messages have been invaluable, offering hope during difficult times and providing significant support to Beth and her family.

We sincerely appreciate your support thus far, both through your prayers and financial contributions. Every contribution, no matter how small, adds value to our collective efforts