December 21, 2021
by Tiffany Hansen, Organizer
Recent update written by Deedra’s husband Troy:
Tonight is Deedra's 100th night in the hospital. I have been blessed to spend 51 of those nights with her, and a combination of her sister's Debbie, Chrisdee, Shauna, Shalei, Cathi & AnnMarie, & my sister-in-law's Dione & Jill have combined to stay the other 49 nights with her.

While in St. George my Mom, Roger & Jill, Greg & Dione, Chris & Danica, & Michael & Aubrey have brought dinner to me (or whoever is staying with Deedra) every single night.

While I am away from my little girls, Heather, Cheeri, my dad, Shalei, Cathi, & Lynn & Deeanna have come to our home to stay with and help the girls.

Those I have mentioned, and so, so, so many more have done so much to ease our burdens, brought us comfort, helped us realize we are not going through this alone, and showed what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We will be forever grateful for the sacrifice all have made on behalf of our family.

I have wanted to post updates at various times, but I wanted to be honest & not come across pessimistic. The big overall picture is she is a miracle, making slow and steady progress, and will recover.

A couple of months ago, when she was at her worst with pneumonia (we did not think she was going to survive) and being transferred back to the ICU floor, her Sister AnnMarie said to her, "You keep fighting." Deedra answered, "I will. I will for my family!"

Deedra has kept her promise and continues to fight to get better, so one day she can come home to her family. Tonight I asked her what the first thing she wants to do when she gets home. She answered, "walk."

Most of the time she is miserable with abdominal pain, neck pain, back pain, knee pain, thigh pain, itchiness throughout her body, nausea, vomiting, heart burn, numbness, weakness, dry mouth, not being able to sleep, etc... Despite all of her suffering, she is in very good spirits (considering how miserable she is). She has not one time expressed any anger or ill feelings towards the drunk driver. I believe one day she will meet him and give him a hug, letting him know she has forgiven him.

On December 7th, 2021 she underwent a major surgery to repair her damaged leaking bowel (small and large intestine). The surgery was successful, but she has been suffering with more abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. A few days after the surgery she took a few bites of Cream of Wheat, the first taste of food in her mouth in over 3 months. She is now allowed to eat soft food, but has no appetite and eats very little. Today she drank a small carnation instant breakfast, ate a small yogurt, had a few bites of Cream of Wheat, 1 small bite of mashed potatoes, and 1 small slice each of pear and peach. This is the most she has eaten since food was allowed.

The nephrologist came in today and said her kidney numbers are improving, so he doesn't anticipate she will need dialysis anymore.

My favorite moments of being with her are when she has to go to the bathroom because I get to hold her for a brief moment. I grab the bedside toilet out of the bathroom and set it next to her bed. I help her sit up. Then she wraps her arms tightly around my neck as I help her stand up, shift her feet over, and sit down on the bedside toilet. When she is done, we repeat the process of getting her back into bed. What a joy it is to stand holding her, with her arms tightly around me, as if to say, "please don't let go." I will never let go sweetheart!