Support Melissa's Recovery from Campfire Accident

Update 9/11

HOME SWEET HOME

Mom is finally sleeping in her own bed tonight.

Yesterday she had 192 staples removed from the grafts, from what we understand, they're looking good. Now once daily dressing changes and weekly trips to Duluth for follow-up visits.

The pain is more manageable now. The surgeon said there would be a switch where the burns/grafts sites are less painful but the donor site is the painful area. Mom's donor site (where they took tissues for the grafts) is on her right thigh, about 11"x6" in size.

We're so happy mom is home and more comfortable. Thank you EVERYONE for the love and support. This journey was made easier thanks to you all.

We're not sure if there will be anything notable going forward (possibly tissue grafting on the neck) so we may not post much. But if something does come up, we'll let you know here. Otherwise, mom is available for calls, texts, and vistors at HOME!

UPDATE--- Monday 9/9

What a good weekend with so many visitors, Mom was so happy!

The dressings were removed yesterday and the surgeon said the grafts were looking good. There was some talk of possibly needing additional grafting, this time on her neck. But he said we could give it some time and see how it heals up. For now, dressing changes once a day. The surgeon likes to check the grafts when that happens.

Mom is still in the hospital, estimated discharge is still this Wednesday 9/11. They'll likely remove the staples from the grafts then.

"Burn rounds" happen tomorrow so we will get a more thorough update then.

Pain is still the biggest challenge, hopefully it lessens each day going forward.

Thank you for love and support, we appreciate it beyond words.

UPDATE--- Thursday 9/5

Mom had her skin grafting surgery done yesterday afternoon/evening. They grafted her right leg, left ankle, abdomen, left arm, and chest. Surgeon came in today and says everything went well. Mom will be wrapped up tight for 4-5 days, might be able to take a peak on Sunday. Bed rest until then.

Potential discharge day is Wednesday 9/11, assuming pain is under control and the grafts look good.

Mom is tough, pain varies between 9-10, a good day is an 8.

Mom is hoping pain is down to a 5 before she's discharged. Lots of healing to go but we're definitely on the other side of this.

So far she's had lots of visitors which she appreciates, helps take her mind off things. Thankful for all the prayers - she's feeling the love!

UPDATE as of Tuesday 9/3

Mom is out of the ICU! She's now on the burn floor and doing much better. Pain is easing up a bit but she still has a long way to go.

Care team was in today with the plastic surgeon, he has decided to go ahead with skin grafting to help with healing. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, then the doctor asks for a week of recovery in the hospital.

So we are hopeful that mom gets to go home sometime next week!

A HUGE thank you for all the love and support that has poured in. Please keep the prayers coming!

Hello, Melissa's daughters here.

Like most people, our parents were looking forward to a long holiday weekend. Spending Labor Day with family and friends doing what they love, camping and trail riding. Unfortunately, mom was in an incredibly freak accident involving a campfire explosion on Friday, August 30th.

Mom, quick thinking as she is, knew to roll and extinguish herself. She then took a shower until EMS arrived. Once EMS arrived, that was when the severity of the situation was realized. Mom was taken by ambulance to the local hospital where they decided to intubate and airlift her to a Level I trauma center.

She spent some time in the emergency room on Friday and Saturday until being transferred to the intensive care unit, where she is currently.

Sunday she was able to be extubated and is breathing on her own but she is still in a lot of pain with burns to her face, neck, arm, abdomen, legs, and feet. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her.

Many have asked how they can help, first and foremost, keeping her in your thoughts and prayers is all we are asking for. If you are further inclined to help, with the unknown amount of time she and dad will be out of work, bills and expenses unfortunately don't stop for these incidents so anything would be appreciated. Thank you for all your love and support.

-Kayla, Kendra, Kirstin