There is always a reason to smile!

This past weekend I attended a street festival with my son called The Smile Project and I couldn't help but think there's always a reason to smile. Even in the midst of everything that seems to be happening around us, God is still in control!


And God is definitely still in control over Pat's recovery and she's getting better each day - another reason to smile =). I've uploaded a video of one of Pat's therapy sessions where she is walking. She still needs assistance, but she has come a long way.

A few things:

First, thank you to Sharon Sagoo, Ogonna Opurum, and DeAndre Vidale for your generations towards Pat's care.We appreciate your donation so much and it definitely helps with her expenses for a Personal Assistant! If you see this before I get to speak with you, please send me your mailing addresses (marienichole.51@gmail.com).

If anyone else would like to donate towards the care of Pat, please visit www.ps-ily.org/donate.


Second, please please please come by and visit with Pat. It encourages her and lifts her spirit when she sees friends. She does have therapy 3 times a week, so if you would like to come see her you may either call her or email me so we can let you know which times she has therapy.


Lastly, we are still seeking help for Pat during the days her therapist does not come to the house (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays). We mainly need assistance with transporting her to and from her therapy sessions as well as someone to assist mommy with going up and down the stairs and running errands. Please email me at marienichole.51@gmail.com if you can lend any assistance.


Thank you all again and I hope to have another update for you soon!!!

Hi Everyone!!_Update

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to give a quick update on Pat's progress so far.

First, I apologize if you've called/emailed me and I haven't gotten back to you. With both little ones and helping my sister, it's difficult for me to get time to contact everyone back. I'm much better with texting so you most certainly may text me (you can email me if you don't already have the information).

So on to Pat... she's recovering very well. While she still has a long road ahead, given the severity of her incident, I'm amazed at how God is restoring her. She's come such a long way in such a short amount of time.

Currently, she is receiving the following therapies:

• physical - to help restore function of left arm and leg; work on ability to walk independently; improve balance
• occupational - assistance with relearning day-to-day activities
• speech - strengthen long-term memory, attention span

She's doing well in all three. She has OT and ST twice a week, a PT three times a week. Her range of motion on the left side has improved significantly and she is able to walk with the assistance of a walker and someone guarding her closely.

She has followed-up with all of her doctors and they all comment on how well she looks.

Pat still has the same spirit about her - which is what makes her, her! We spend a lot of time just talking and laughing at each other.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated to P.S. I Looove You! So far, we have one month of PT care covered for Pat. If anyone has any questions about the organization, you can email me.

I would also like to thank the Maryland Pharmaceutical Society for honoring Pat last weekend. She really wishes she could have made it (I will be posting a video for you guys soon).

Thank you to everyone again!!

Love,

Nikki

Caring for Pat

Hello everyone,

I'm not sure how many people still read this blog, but I do again want to thank everyone for their support, love, and prayers. Pat is now at home getting readjusted to daily living and we continue to pray that she make a full recovery.

For the most part, she is doing extremely well. She's getting stronger each day and even sounds like the "Old Pat", joking around with family and conning us (mainly me) into giving her sweets lol. It's so great to see her getting back into the swing of things.

However, she still needs help with physical activities. Her left side is experiencing tone - basically, her brain is telling her muscles to contract at the same time, which makes it difficult for her to do anything on that side, so she still needs help with personal grooming, dressing, transferring from one position to another, etc.

The family is asking for help with her care, especially after Dorian goes back to school. Right now, it is difficult for my mother to care for Pat everyday on her own, because she is still recovering from a stroke she had 3 years ago. And of course, with 2 small ones, I am limited to what I can physically assist with.

If anyone is able to take a shift (see below) or even come sit with  my children so that I can help Pat and our mom, please email me (marienichole.51@gmail.com) or call/text me (it's easier for me to text) at 301.928.2581. I am attempting to schedule help for her at least through the first of October.

Also, the family is also looking into Personal Care Assistant services for Pat, which unfortunately is not covered by insurance. I know times are tight for everyone, but if you are able to donate anything to Pat so that she may receive this service, please follow this link http://ps-ily.org/donate/. ALL donations will be used towards her medical care.

Shifts Monday-Friday
9-12pm
12-3pm
3-6 pm
6-9 pm

Shifts Saturday-Sunday
8-11 am
12-3 pm

Again, you can contact me at marienichole.51@gmail.com or 301.928.2581.


Thank you so much again!!!

Love,

Pat, Mommy, Dorian, and Nikki

Confident Peace

Hi everyone,

This has been a pretty challenging week with Pat coming home, both physically and emotionally. As we are all trying to get readjusted to our new lives and roles & responsibilities, there were moments of frustration, hurt, and exhaustion.

I'll be transparent here and say it was EXTREMELY difficult for me. I've personally had to assume new roles with my sister, mom, and Dorian and I felt myself breaking down. I was becoming more easily frustrated with my children and even my husband. The pressure I felt with Pat's new situation was affecting the way I handled my own situations this week. I was quickly becoming overwhelmed with trying to be a good wife and mother, as well as daughter, sister, and aunt.

One thing I remember my parents always saying is to pray when things seem uncertain. And that's exactly what I did last night. I immediately began to become comforted by God's spirit and I as I confessed to Him that I could not handle this on my own, I felt all the pressures of the week being lifted off of my shoulders.

This morning when I woke up, I felt refreshed and I did my devotions, appropriately titled Confident Peace. The devotion focused on living a peace-filled life and provided the example of the apostle Paul. When things in his life seemed to be too great to handle he recalled "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". The light bulb clicked... I CAN do all things through Christ including being the wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt that He's called me to be. All I have to do is completely depend on Him. He will give me the power, strength, and love to sustain me in my new roles.

I have such a renewed spirit regarding my sister. WHATEVER happens with her recovery, I am CONFIDENT that God's will, will be done and that He will carry each and every one of us through this process.

So this week, I encourage you to completely depend on God for a situation or situations in your life that may overwhelm or discourage you. Know that HE does not put anything on us that we cannot bear BUT we must have total faith and dependency on Him.

Thank you all again for your thoughts, prayers, and love!

 

PAT IS COMING HOME!!!

Hi everyone!

Pat will be coming home today!!!

She has made wonderful strides towards a full recovery while in rehab. However, she still needs some assistance with physical tasks e.g. showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed, standing, walking).

If anyone is able to assist with her needs during the day or overnight, please email me at Marienichole.51@gmail.com or call 301-928-2581.

Thank you a

Pat's Road to Recovery

 

Happy Sunday everyone!

We met with the social worker and therapists last week to discuss Pat's progress so far in rehab. Overall she is doing well and is getting stronger each day.

Right now she has physical, occupational, and speech therapies each day. While she doesn't need assistance with tasks such as feeding herself, she still needs anywhere from 25% - 50% assistance with things like sitting up, standing, walking, using the bathroom, dressing, etc.

Her speech was never really affected by the aneurysm, so she speaks well. And she remembers most things, although her short-term memory kind of goes in-and-out.

She has been vomiting each day, and the doctors are currently trying to see what the cause of it is. Right now they don't think it's serious and they're keeping a close eye on the situation.

Even with everything going on, she's still the same Pat =) We often joke and laugh during our visits and it's good to see she is in such good spirits.

AND Pat says she is ready to start receiving visitors now and gave me the "okay" for everyone to come see her... her information is below. She does have therapy each day, BUT family/friends are welcome to come sit in on sessions.

Adventist Rehabilitation
7600 Carroll Avenue #5200
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(once you go into the main entrance, you can take the elevators to the 5th floor)

Direct Phone #: 301-891-5578

Cats Need a Home

Good morning everyone,

As some of you all know, Pat has 3 cats - all of whom Mommy has been caring for while she's been recovering. However, it has become increasingly difficult for her to care for them.

At the request of Pat, we would like to find a loving home for 2 of the cats - Tiger and Pumpkin. Tiger is a loving male cat, who loves attention and human contact. He is very much a lap cat. He's not super fond of children, so he would be best placed in a home of an older couple, or single person. Pumpkin is an independent female cat, who pretty much keeps to herself. She's doesn't need to be held nor does she require much attention aside from feedings.

If you know anyone who may be interested, please email me at marienichole.51@gmail.com and I will send pictures.

Thanks and hopefully I'll have videos of Pat to post today =)

Hi everyone,

I apologize for not updating the blog in a while. My son was sick with a viral infection and I've just been trying to keep up with taking care of everything. I will do my best to try to update this as much as possible (please bear with me).

So, there isn't much to update with Pat. She has been discharged to rehab and is still settling in. She is currently undergoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy. So her days are long and tiring. She is able to feed herself now, with very little trouble, but she still needs assistance in moving around. Her left side is still very weak and she barely moves it. Last week she attempted to use the restroom by herself and fell (the nurses found her sitting on the floor), but she did not injure herself. So the bulk of her therapy has been concentrated to physical.

She is talking more, but has some trouble remembering certain things or she may recall events that didn't occur. For instance, I took my daughter to see her for the first time yesterday (she was happy to see the babies), but said that was her second time seeing her in-person.

We'll know more about her progress thus far and future treatment after we have our family meeting next week and hopefully I will have more information to pass along to you all.

For now, Pat says she doesn't want visitors until she goes home because she gets tired and she could be in a compromising position. She is using the phone to keep in touch with me, Mommy, and Dorian when she can, so if you would like to give me your number, I can give it to her so that she can call at her leisure.

I'll also try to post more blogs of her talking so that everyone can see her. Please keep her in your prayers.


Thanks,

Nikki

Hi everyone!!!!

 

 

I have extremely good news!!!

 

 

PAT IS BEING RELEASED TO REHAB TOMORROW!!!!

 

 

Now, we're still not sure which center she will be at just yet, but once she is able to have visitors (which I'm sure will be soon), I will let everyone know.

 

 

Thanks again for all of your prayers! Although mommy and I have not been able to speak with all of you, we truly appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.

 

 

Oh and P.S. I Looove You raised enough money to give love gifts to the patients in ICU with Pat. We will be delivering them later this week (I'll be sure to take pictures).

 

With lots of love and gratitude,

 

Nikki, Mommy, and Dorian



Pat says hello

Happy Monday everyone!!!

I visited with Pat this weekend, and she is still doing much better. Everyday she is getting stronger and stronger. This past week, they removed her feeding tube and have started feeding her through the mouth.

She seems to be in good spirits as well. She joked with me and Mommy, laughed at Elijah's favorite new word - no, and even talked us into letting her eat some of the snickerdoodle cookies they sell in the hospital.

There are some things that I know she still has to work on. For instance, I was talking to her about some information I needed and she stated she would text it to me, then begin "air texting" as if she had a phone in her hand. Other than small things like that, she's still the same Pat lol (see below).

Since the doctors still have her on restriction, I asked if it was okay if I videotaped her for you all to see and she said yes. Below are two videos I took of her Saturday. The first video is of her saying hi (please excuse my little kid voice lol), and the second is of her trying to get her mitt off (the doctors had to restrain her hand so she would stop pulling at her tubes). Enjoy! =)

Love Heals Campaign

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give the link again of the Love Heals Campaign by P.S. I Looove You on behalf of Pat. We would like to give care baskets to patients and their families that are in the ICU with Pat.

Our goal is to reach $1000 by June 21st, so if you can, please donate today! Remember, every $1 counts!!!

To view more information about the campaign visit, Love Heals Campaign - http://eepurl.com/ApLkX
For more information on P.S. I Looove You, visit http://www.ps-ily.org


Thank you!

God answers prayers!

Happy Sunday everyone!!!

I am happy to report that after visiting with Pat today, she is on the road to recovery!!! She is doing so much better! She looks well and is getting stronger each day.

When we walked in today, she was watching SpongeBob (I'm guessing she's picked up liking the Cartoon Network in preparation to watch cartoons with her new niece lol). She joked and laughed with  mommy, Dorian and I, and even "checked" Dorian about his upcoming finals and summer job.

It is such a blessing to see her doing well and I want to sincerely thank everyone for their prayers! God has definitely been faithful through this whole process and He's not finished yet!!!


A lot of you have asked where you could help.... and I've been praying a lot about this. Before Pat became ill, she began helping me with a nonprofit I started called P.S. I Looove You and soon joined the Board of Directors. Part of our mission is to perform random acts of love (please visit the website http://ps-ily.org/ for more information).

Because Pat is always giving of herself, unselfishly, I thought a good way to honor her would be to perform an act of love for the patients and families who are currently in ICU with her. On behalf of her and the organization, I would like to give 1) care baskets to patients (comb, brush, nail clipper, lotion/oil) and 2) day of parking for the family members.

If you would like to contribute, please go to http://ps-ily.org/ to donate. I would like to give the gifts to patients and their families in the next two weeks.

Thank you to everyone again!

With love,

Nikki and family

**Update**

Good evening everyone,

I have a bit of unfortunate news... Pat had to go in for emergency surgery today because her aneurysm ruptured again.

Mommy and I are at the hospital now waiting for her to get out of surgery. I will post an update tomorrow on how Pat is doing .

The physicians are stating that she needs as much rest as possible, so for this reason visiting Pat has been restricted to immediate family only.

Once Pat is in a more stable condition, I will let everyone know when visitation can resume.

 Thank you and please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to give you a quick update on Pat....

She's finally been in a more stable condition and the doctors have started to reduce some of the heavier medications she was on (e.g. sedation meds). She is still very much in the recovery process, but is able to recognize guests and talk minimally (it's a low whisper right now).

She will be having another procedure next week, so visitation will be restricted a couple of days so she can rest. After, she will be reevaluated by the doctors to start looking at rehabilitation centers.

We still aren't sure when she'll be home or what type of rehab is needed quite yet. Once we find out, we will inform everyone.

I want to thank everyone again for the prayers and offers of help. Again, once we have more information about the next steps, we'll be better able to gage what type of help is needed.

Oh, one last thing. One of Pat's colleagues - Wallene Bullard has set up a donation fund for Pat for those of you who would like to give something during this time. The link for the donation page is below:

http://www.gofundme.com/2wauh0

Morning Inspiration

God is faithful!

Good evening everyone,

We have another praise report!! Pat is doing much better after the last procedure this past Friday and is beginning to stabilize =)

Mommy and I visited her today, and the doctors had removed 2 medications (they are monitoring how well she is able to do without them) and they also removed her breathing tube! She was able to talk to Mommy and I (it still takes her some energy to talk, but she speaks clearly), and even said I should have 1 more baby LoL.

She's looking a lot better and seems to be gaining more strength each day. Again, if you would like to go see her, please feel free to (just try to let me know if you can so I can make sure her schedule is pretty clear for the day).


Also, I didn't get a chance to post this Sunday, so I'll do it here......

To Pat (Mommy, Daughter, Sister, Niece, and friend),

 

To one of the hardest-working, loving, unselfish mother's I know.

You are doing such a wonderful job raising Dorian

 and he is blessed to have a mother like you.

Continue to get stronger and we'll all be right here to celebrate with you

 when you come home.

 

Love, Everyone!

 

 

I Love My Bop.... Evening update

Today I visited Pat and this is the first time I've seen her "up" since the first day all of this occured. Normally when I've visited she was under heavy sedation or she had just returned from a procedure, so she would be resting. So, I can't explain how excited I was that I finally got to see my sister.

Although she can't verbalize words (primarily because she has a breathing tube inserted), she is able to gesture and nod her head. When she saw me, I smiled and said You have a new niece, and she looked at my stomach and placed her hand over it. I said Yep, Ari is here and she's bossy just like me. Pat got a little teary eyed, but I calmed her and let her know that it had only been a week and a few days and that her niece was waiting to see her. I showed her pictures of Ari and Elijah (she always calls him her boo lol) and she tapped my phone screen. At first I was a little confused, but then it dawned on me that she wanted me to send the pictures to her email. I asked her if that's what she wanted and she nodded her head Yes.

My intention today was to go encourage and comfort Pat, but instead she encouraged and comforted me. Mommy left us alone for a while to talk and I just let her know how much I missed her and that I loved my big sister. I asked for her forgiveness for all the stupid things I've done or said and brokedown crying. She reached for me and I layed my head on her chest and she just hugged me. Even with all that she's going through, she still took care of her little sister. She held my hand and just looked at me and nodded as to say It's okay.

Once I got myself together I was able to play a few Mint Condition songs (a suggestion made by a friend since that's her favorite R&B band) and Fred Hammond's Celebrate. Pat moved her soldiers nodded her head, and lifted her hand on the part of the song that says to do so. I was so overjoyed. My Bop was still there. Although her shell looks different with all of the tubes and some of the swelling she has, her spirit was still there.

That started me thinking about how we are housed in shells while we're here on Earth. Our shell doesn't make us who we are. In fact, we aren't going to even have these shells for eternity. It's the spirit that God gives us that lives on no matter what our outer bodies do. While God is working on restoring Pat's outer shell, He has her spirit guarded and wrapped in His love. How amazing is that???

So, I just want everyone to stay in prayer and remember that God is faithful. He knew this day was coming long before any of us did. He has Pat right where He wants her. He has us right where He wants us. This is the time for all of us to sit still and let Him speak to our spirits.

Again, if you would like to visit her, please just email me at marienichole.51@gmail.com with the day and time you would like to go. Also, if you want to share a story about your visit or just a general one about Pat, please email it to me and I will be glad to post it for you.

Continue to pray and celebrate!!!

~ Nikki

*Bop is the name I used to call Pat when I was little because I couldn't pronounce her name.

Family

Good evening everyone,

I know you all have been waiting to hear more updates on Pat and I apologize for not posting the last few days.

Since the last post, Pat has had 2 more procedures to treat the vasospasms - one Wednesday, and another Friday morning. Both procedures were successful, in that the doctors were able to reopen the arteries that constricted without any complications. For now, the doctors will continue to monitor her closely and let her continue to rest.

I'm happy to report that Pat is still responsive to the cognitive tests the nurses are performing and she has been able to gesture when Mommy, Dorian, and I have visited. It's definitely encouraging to see her still recognize family and friends even with all that has been going on.

Part of the reason I haven't posted is because I've been doing a lot of praying over the past few days. Seeing my sister in this situation has been really difficult for me. The other day when I visited her was really overwhelming and I kept thinking, God what is your purpose for all of this? I'm definitely not questioning God, but I do believe things happen for a reason, but why Pat? And why now?

My main prayer has been that God use me in this situation as He sees fit - especially with this blog. I believe this is an opportunity to share more than just updates on Pat. This is an opportunity to share and encourage so that everyone who views this blog knows the God that Pat serves and seeks His purpose for their lives.

During this week of prayer, God kept placing one word on my heart... family. Pat and I didn't always behave sisterly. There was a division between us that affected our family. We would argue or go periods without speaking and say hurtful things to one another. And looking back, it hindered the both of us from being able to please God and fulfill his purpose. Although our relationship has been restored presently and we're continuing to grow, I can't help but wonder about all the missed opportunities I could have said I love you or embraced her.

I challenge you to think about family this week; and not only family related by blood, but anyone you have a relationship with. Is there someone you have discord with? Is it preventing you from pleasing God? God is calling all of us to come together as family - especially during a time like this. It is His desire that we love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ so that we work together for His kingdom.

Take the time to pray this week about any relationship with a family member that does not please God. Ask Him to mend your hearts and restore your relationship. Don't miss an opportunity to love them the way that God calls us to.


With Love,

Nikki

Update... Monday evening 5/6

Good evening family and friends,

Unfortunately, this blog comes with some not-so-happy news.

I received a phone call this morning from Pat's doctors stating they were going to perform an emergency operation today as a result of a vasospasm she suffered (a link has been provided on information about a vasospasm).

Basically, because of the amount of bleeding from the aneurysm, Pat's brain has a lot of swelling and some arteries are in jeopardy of clotting. This is a concern for the doctors because this could result in a stroke. Currently, they are concerned about the right region of her brain - which affects her left side motor skills - and performed the procedure today to prevent damage to those arteries.

The doctor just informed me that the procedure went well and there were no complications. They are continuing to monitor her (after an aneurysm like Pat suffered, much of the following weeks is a waiting game where they monitor the patient for no additional events).

I will be going to visit her tomorrow, so I will have another update posted by tomorrow evening.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Thank you!

About Cerebral Vasospams:
http://www.brain-aneurysm.com/cerebral_vasospasm.html#treated

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18709660

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_vasospasm

Happy Sunday!!!

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Hello again everyone!

I have wonderful news to report on Patricia's condition!! =)

She is steadily improving and her sedation level has been lowered. So she has been staying awake longer periods during the day.

Aside from a fever that comes and goes, her status is more stable. The doctors still plan to perform an additional operation in the future, they are just unsure of when.

The nurses have okayed visitors for her, BUT they would like to limit daily visitors, as to not tire her out too much - she still needs plenty of rest.

So, I will be putting together a schedule of visitors for Pat. Please email me at marienichole.51@gmail.com with the day and time you would like to see her. You can view the calendar and available times at https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=3luf1hd79i1ano9bgifu5it0hg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York .

Thanks again to you all!


*I deeply apologize if you have emailed, text, called me in the past few days. We've recently come home with baby girl and are spending time with her and our 1 year old (interesting times to say the least lol). I will do my best to answer all of you as quickly as possible. ~ Nichole

Good morning everyone!

Sorry for the lapse in posts. My husband and I welcomed our baby girl into the world yesterday. Ari Nichole Rush was born at 11:12am at 7lbs 4oz. So, Pat has a new gift waiting for her when she gets home!

Pat is still recovering and resting in the ICU at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. She is becoming more stable each day, but the doctors are continuing to monitor her closely, daily.

 

Mommy was able to visit with her yesterday, and Pat was able to turn her head towards her when Mommy spoke to her. She also opened her eyes when Mommy told her she had a new niece. This is so encouraging and speaks to the healing power of God!!!

The doctors are still stating she needs as much rest as possible, so they haven't given the okay on open visitation. However, we have given permission for anyone who would like to speak with them regarding Pat's status or who have questions about her condition. The main number to the ICU is 410.328.4242. You can ask to speak directly to Patricia Sims' physician.



Thank you and love you all!!!


And remember.....

Flowers, gifts, and visitors

Hi everyone,

I've gotten several questions regarding flowers, gifts, and visiting, so I thought it would be best to post here.

Pat is in ICU right now, so her room isn't conducive to storing items outside of the medical equipment. So for now, until she is upgraded to a different status and moved to a regular room, please hold off on sending flowers and gifts to the hospital. However, if you want to send something to her home just to show your support, please email me and I will send you her home address where Mommy can receive them.

Also, because the doctors are still performing operations and she is still being observed and tested, we are asking that only immediate family visit with her now. Again, the unit she is in doesn't really lend to having many visitors/gifts at this time. The doctors are also keeping her under sedation so that she may rest as much as possible over these next critical days so they can make sure they have secured the aneurysm.

Once her status has been upgraded and out of the woods somewhat, I will let all of you all know and give you information on the best time to start visiting her. The doctors did inform us she will be in the hospital at least 3 weeks, so she will need a lot of visitors during those weeks.

For now, please leave as many comments on this page as you would like, so she can read them once she is off sedation.

Thank you again for all the love and support you are showing our mother, daughter, and sister.


With Love,

Nikki

Sunday 4/28 Evening Update

Hi everyone,

We have good news to report on Pat's condition!!! (Praise God!)

The procedure the doctors performed last night, contained the bleeding of the aneurysm and she has been resting well the entire day. She still has some swelling of the brain, but all in all is in a much better condition than she was yesterday.

The doctors have periodically taken her on and off sedation (to check her responsiveness), and she has been able to follow commands very well. She's also attempted to get out of bed several times (sounds just like Pat, right? lol) when off of sedation and she's already known as "frisky" around ICU.

Tomorrow or Tuesday, the doctors will perform another procedure where they clip the aneurysm to secure it even further. Their goal is to prevent any continued rebleeding and get her stable.

The next few days are the most critical. She will remain on sedation while the doctors continue to monitor CT Scans and perform procedures to keep the swelling of her brain and bleeding under control.

Dorian is doing good and is handling all of this extremely well. He is preparing to return to school this week.

Mommy is doing good as well. We all know what a prayer warrior she is! She put this situation so eloquently yesterday.... God made Pat. She is His. And He knows what to do. All we have to do is trust Him.

I am preparing to deliver our baby girl any day now, so again, I will do my best to respond to calls/texts as quickly as possible.

Thank you again and I look forward to posting more praiseworthy updates!


P.S. - Here are some websites that have information on aneurysms.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brain-aneurysm/DS00582

http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/brain-aneurysm-topic-overview

http://www.bafound.org/

Current Status

As some of you know, Pat has suffered from a brain aneurysm, that has left in her critical condition.

In the early morning of 4/27 she awoke with a severe pain in her head and had difficulty walking. She gathered my nephew Dorian and drove herself to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where she received a CT Scan revealing the aneurysm.

Because of the severity of the condition, she was then sent to University of Maryland Medical Center, who have neurology specialists on staff. Most of the day was spent trying to get her stable enough to receive an operation to plug the aneurysm.

After observation, it was discovered that the aneurysm was complicated, which resulted in a lot of bleeding. The doctors performed a procedure to attempt to coil the main section of the aneurysm, which was completed about 10:30 pm last night. The doctors were pleased with the outcome and she was upgraded - slightly - from critical condition.

However, late this morning, I received a phone call stating that the other portion of the aneurysm begin to bleed again and they needed to attempt another surgery.

My family is currently in route to the hospital and will have further updates for you, later this morning.

Continue to keep Pat in your prayers.. God is faithful!!!

Welcome... and Thank You

Dear Family and Friends,

First, on behalf of my family, I would like to say Thank You to everyone who has rallied around us during this difficult time, sending love and prayers for Pat. We are truly blessed to have all of you warriors in our lives, who know the healing power of God!

We appreciate all the concern that has outpoured for Pat's health and this blog will allow us to keep you all updated on Pat's current status, which we will update daily, as we get further information.

You may still contact me at 301.928.2581 and I will do my best to reply promptly.

Thank you again,

Nichole Rush (sister)
Doris Pugh (mother)
Dorian Sims (son)