Courtney's Story

My niece Courtney is 26 years old.  She is the only child of my only sibling, and although we are at opposite coasts of the U.S., we are close.  My brother Ron flew to Vancouver immediately to be by his little girl’s side, which is where he has remained. The information he received upon his arrival was painfully sad. There were indications of paralysis on one side of her body, an expectation that she would not be the same Courtney that he knew only weeks prior, that she might not even recognize the dad who raised her and adored her, or that she might not pull through at all.  Although the brain was bleeding, there was nothing medically to be done to stop it.  As it continued to swell, surgery was performed to remove half of her skull to allow for the expansion, at which time damaged brain tissue was removed as well. The skull is being kept alive inside of Courtney’s abdomen, where it will remain viable until the time comes to re-attach it.

Throughout the earlier weeks Courtney remained in an induced coma as the medical staff dealt with the continued brain swelling, pressure spikes, pneumonia, and temperature fluctuations that required the use of ice blankets. The pictures of Courtney were devastating—a drain tube protruding from the top of her head, a feeding tube to her stomach, ventilator to her lungs, and many other tubes and monitors performing a variety of necessary functions to keep Courtney alive.

The very wonderful news is that Courtney is now out of the coma and is exhibiting an incredible amount of strength and a strong will to survive. Following the move from Intensive Care to Critical Care, a wonderful and unexpected surprise, Courtney continues to amaze us all with her determination. She wears a hockey helmet to protect her head when she is moved to a sitting position. Courtney’s dad, Ron, remains by her side during most every waking moment, encouraging her to speak and to return to the vibrant young woman that we all know her to be.  

Courtney and Ron are both far from home.  The hospital in Vancouver, while doing their best, are now anxious to have her transported back to the U.S. for further treatment as soon as possible.  Courtney has no medical insurance; my brother had no choice but to assume all financial responsibility which, at this point, is astronomical.  The hospital approaches him daily to discuss his financial obligations.  Due to the fragile state of her brain, Courtney will have to return home by air ambulance.  An amazing group of medical professionals from Executive Air Ambulance have agreed to donate their time, while the owner of the company has reduced the fees to a fraction of the actual costs.  That in itself is miraculous; however even this expense is outside the realm of possibility for Ron to pay alone. Hospital charges are in the high hundreds of thousands of dollars, and medical expenses will continue when Courtney reaches the hospital in San Francisco for extensive rehabilitation and surgery to replace her skull.

I am asking, as Ron’s sister, as Courtney’s ‘Aunt Lala’ and as a mother of a daughter who is six years younger than her bigger cousin, to please find it in your hearts to make a contribution toward hospital care necessary for our girl Courtney.  There is no such thing as a donation that is too small.  Every contribution puts them that much closer to getting home, and ensuring that Courtney will receive the continued care that is necessary to make her well again.

Miracles happen all the time…one is happening at this moment! Thank you for your monetary and/or spiritual support for Courtney’s full recovery and the strength for Courtney and her parents to persevere.  

We are thankful.

Laurie