Dear friends and supporters, we come to you with a heartfelt update on Debbie’s journey, which has been nothing short of a nightmare. Many of you have reached out wanting to know more and expressing your concern and eagerness to help. Please help support Deb’s recovery fund. Today, we share Debbie’s inspiring story of resilience and determination. During her nieces wedding shower in Boston, tragedy struck as Debbie fell backwards carrying shower items up the stairway. She was rushed to Boston Medical, a decision that proved to be life-changing. The expert care of the renowned surgeon on call was paramount, given that patients around the globe seek his expertise. The post-surgery report delivered a devastating blow concerning Debbie’s spinal cord. It was a difficult realization for both Debbie and her loved ones. Before this fateful accident, Debbie had already been dealing with a stiff and sometimes painful neck due to a previous mini bike accident during her High School days. Moreover, she faced a degenerative hereditary neck condition that had made her neck and spine exceptionally brittle. This combination of factors led to the shattering of her 3rd, 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae. At the hospital, the saying “below 5 keep ‘‘em alive” became a grim reminder of the critical role played by the 5th cervical vertebrae in controlling the diaphragm. As a result, we were told Debbie would now need to rely on a breathing device, trachea, for the rest of her life. The extent of her brain injury remained uncertain until she regained consciousness. Yet, amidst the dark clouds, rays of hope began to shine through, the medical team was amazed with her resilience and sharpness. Despite being on a ventilator, she showed remarkable alertness and composure. As they gradually weaned her off the ventilator to prepare for trachea surgery, she displayed astonishing signs of breathing on her own. The doctors were astounded by her progress, leading them to postpone the Trachea surgery and focus on her natural breathing ability. Within 24 hours, Debbie’s ventilator was removed, and she began breathing on her own with the aid of oxygen support. What’s even more remarkable she started to regain some sensation on parts of her right side, further igniting hope for her recovery. The positive trajectory in her condition prompted the surgeon to consider another procedure. This time, the goal was to remove bone fragments from the front of her spine, giving the spinal cord every chance to heal and regenerate. It’s been a uphill battle, but Debbie’s unwavering spirit has been the driving force behind her incredible progress. As we stand alongside Debbie during this challenging time, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and prayers. It is going to take strength in community to help Debbie reach her goals. Your contributions to our fundraiser will be vital in covering her medical expenses and rehabilitation. The road to recovery remains long, but Debbie’s determination and outpouring love from all of you inspire us to keep pushing forward. With your continued support, we aim to ensure Debbie receives the best care and rehabilitation possible. Together, we can be a beacon of hope for Debbie and her family, showing them they are not alone in this journey. If you would like to contribute in Debbie’s fundraiser and play a pivotal role in her recovery, please visit the fundraiser link or reach out to us directly. Every little bit counts and makes a significant impact on her life. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being a part of this journey. With deepest gratitude, Debbie, Larry, Jacob and Jen
Dad, Donna & Tony, Diane & Chris and Kay
#TeamDeb #BostonMedical #SpauldingMedicalCenter
Mail is the highlight of the day, she so appreciates you all thinking of her!
Deb's address:
Spaulding Hospital
c/o Debbie Ward - Rm 603
300 1st Ave.
Charlestown, MA 02129
