What Happened to Stephanie Hudson?

What happened to Steph?

In late September, our daughter Stephanie went on a 3-day business trip to Chicago. She experienced a completely unexpected and life-threatening medical crisis while she was there. She spent a month in a hospital and now weeks in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

As her parents, dealing with all of this has been incredibly challenging.

Here’s the longer story:

Stephanie has had type 1 diabetes since she was a teenager. It’s never held her back! But while Steph was on her trip, she came down with a virus that caused severe vomiting and dehydration. Diabetes is, of course, a very manageable condition, but—very rarely—people who live with diabetes can develop diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal. This is what happened:

Just over a month ago, we received a heart-wrenching phone call informing us that our daughter had been rushed to the hospital, unresponsive. The doctors told us that she required immediate intubation to help her breathe.

Stephanie was in a coma for six agonizing days. There were 3 separate moments when we thought we were going to lose her.

Steph was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two weeks, followed by two more weeks in a step-down unit at the same hospital. Then our daughter was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital for physical, occupational, and speech therapy, all aimed at rebuilding her strength and mobility. She still faces many obstacles, but we are so grateful that she is such a strong woman. She is fighting so hard. Thankfully, her doctors are confident she will make a full recovery.

This unexpected turn of events has not only taken a toll on Stephanie's physical health. It has also brought financial strain. Steph has been unable to work for more than a month. Mounting medical bills have added to the already significant stress of her ordeal. As you might imagine, with such a lengthy and intensive hospital stay, her healthcare bills (even with insurance) will be incredibly significant.

While the doctors, nurses, and caregivers provide the necessary care for her physical needs, many of Stephanie's friends, colleagues, and loved ones have asked how they can help.

So, we are reaching out to anyone who has been touched by Stephanie's friendship, mentorship, or advice over the years to request your financial support during this challenging time.

Right now, Steph needs to focus on her recovery. As her friends and family, what we can do is help her financially. By making a small contribution today, you can play a crucial role in ensuring Stephanie's ongoing recovery and alleviating some of the financial strain she currently faces.

We know that Stephanie will receive every contribution, no matter the size, with immense gratitude. We have been simply blown away by the outpouring of love and support that has come flooding in for our daughter from nearly every corner of the globe.

Steph has also taught us a lot about the power of the Internet! We kindly ask that you share this campaign within your own networks, spreading the word to others who could also support Steph during her journey back to being the funny, chatty redhead we all know and love.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and love.

With sincerest gratitude,

Steve & Marilyn Hudson

(Dad & Mom)