History

Monday, June 13, 2005 8:30 AM CDT

"Anita is little more responsive today and they had her SITTING up yesterday in her bed!" That is huge step! It is hard work and we are so thankful. She is showing “ a lot of emotional response” right now as well, Audrey told me this morning.

We are hoping that each day Anita will make improvements like this! Please pray that she continue to improve her responses to requests or commands, as she is still not there yet.

Audrey had told me that Anita seemed "calmer and quieter" on Saturday and we believe it was because she knew that their son, Jarrett, was at peace.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Anita, Gary, Shayla, Alex, Gary and Anita's parents, Diana and family, Andy and family,and their entire extended family. Please pray specifically that Anita continue to do well with her sitting up sessions, her responding to requests and her overall emotional responsiveness.

A special Thank You as well to all of the Family Members and Friends who were able to record a voice mail message for Anita's "Messages of Love" CD. It should arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday. We did not listen to the messages bcause of privacy, but we had a tremendous response and I think Anita will love it!
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Thank you to Gary's company, American Girl, for setting up the Rothman Family Fund (see below). American Girl has been incredibly thoughtful to Gary and his family in every area of outreach, generousity, professionlism and kindness. This fund will help the Rothmans and hopfully make their struggles easier.

Dear Friend,

Gary's friends at American Girl have set up the "Rothman Family Fund" at Wells Fargo to help support Gary and his family. The sentiment is that it could be used by Gary as he sees fit for either short term or long term needs.

This is not a company sponsored fund, so anyone can make a contribution if they wish. If you think it is appropriate, feel free to post this message. If not, please pass this on as you see fit.

Below are options for how people can send in their contributions. Make check payable to "Rothman Family Fund". Send check to:

c/o Lisa Grinde
American Girl
8400 Fairway Place
Middleton, WI 53562

OR

Drop off at the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 6622 University Avenue, Middleton, WI.

OR

Mail to:
Rothman Family Fund
C/O Wells Fargo Bank
6622 University Avenue
Middleton, WI 53562

Thanks again for this terrific website.

Kind Regards,
Beth Scott
American Girl

Saturday, June 11, 2005 11:11 PM CDT

Anita now has her own room and has begun the long, slow path of rehabilitation. There is no way of knowing now how far she can progress. Her brain is damaged from the lack of oxygen (both sides in the back of the brain and also the front side regions show damage) and only time will tell how extensive this damage is, how much can be worked through, and how much will be permanent.

We have gotten to the point where this is no longer an hourly battle for survival. Barring some significant physical change (like an infection or something), Anita will not regress and will not return to critcal condition. Because of this, you will only see updates going forward when there is real news to report. I also expect that at some point, these updates (always intended to be Gary's voice as expressed by a friend), may come directly from the family - if they want that to happen (and when they want that to happen).

The prayers of the family, friends, and friends-of-friends have truly reached God. There is no other reasonable explanation for the miracles we have witnessed so far. Please keep it up - and prepare for the long haul because we are fighting a war, not just quick battle here. While you are praying, please remember to pray for Gary, Shayla, and Alex, who are going through a profound change in their lives and whose own healing has barely begun.

Friday, June 10, 2005 9:27 AM CDT

Dear Family and Friends,
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Gary and Anita's baby, Jarrett Rothman, passed away this morning.

Jarrett's short life was certainly difficult, but surrounded by the love and the warmth of family and friends. We are glad that he is now in a place where there is no pain and his spirit will always be within the hearts of his Mommy, Daddy and Shayla and Alex.

In lieu of flowers, Gary asked me to tell you to please continue to send your love and support through the Caring Bridge site.

Thursday, June 9, 2005 8:40 PM CDT

"Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way."
- Abraham Lincoln

Today Anita passed a milestone of getting out of the ICU today. Because she is no longer on the ventilator, they tend to move patients as soon as they can to make room for more ICU patients. Anita has been moved to an area of Meriter Hospital which specializes in Neurological Rehabilitation and Brain Disorders. She will be starting with a new PT (Physical Therapist), a new OT (Occupational Therapist) and will begin Speech Therapy (ST) now that she’s off the ventilator.

We are all very excited by the progress Anita has made in the past several days, but it is important to remember that we are only at the very beginning of the road and she has a long way to go and many more milestones ahead of her. The tone of these messages may often reflect the optimism of the writer (a Behavior Specialist), so we’re going to try to stick to the basics in order to be fair to Anita, to Gary and the kids, and to all of you. (My specialization requires a lot of patience and the ability to recognize the tiniest signs of progress, quickly rewarded with strong positive reinforcers, so I’ll try not to take that tendency too far on these messages.)

Yes, Anita is responding to commands and prompts – but not always and not consistently. She is getting better, but is still very sick. She is making strides in PT, OT, and ST, but needs intense prayers and support for all of these things for the indefinite future. Her strength, the constant love and support of Gary, her parents and family, and the prayers, love, and caring of all of you are making a difference, so please keep them coming.

NOTE - Room change below. Anita is also now able to receive flowers.

Thursday, June 9, 2005 1:27 PM CDT

I have not received confirmation on this report so as soon as I know FOR SURE I will update you all.

Diana e-mailed me that she had gotten a call from Gary and he said Anita's getting out of ICU (Intensive Care Unit)!!!!

Anita, dear, I do not know how you did in your school days, but honey, you are making straight A's now... when it REALLY COUNTS!!!!

Thank you everyone for your prayers.

WOW!!! I am speechless!

Just a reminder to leave your message for Anita TODAY by calling 206-600-6154 any time. You can leave as long a message as you like, but keeping it to under a minute is probably a good idea for the sake of fitting these messages on a CD.

Spread the word - call in today!

Thursday, June 9, 2005 12:46 AM CDT

PLEASE CLICK THE JOURNAL HISTORY LINK ABOVE FOR THE MOST RECENT UPDATE!

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 5:29 PM CDT

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.”
~IVY BAKER PRIEST

Today Anita has had a fantastic day, especially, I am SURE, through her eyes. The ventilator was removed today and Anita is miraculously breathing on her own!!! No problems exhaling and the painful breathing tube which has resided in her throat for 2 weeks is gone! Thank you breathing tube but, good riddance! Now, Gary you can give your girl that smooch she's been waiting for!

A second milestone (it’s getting tougher to keep up with your improvements!) is that “she followed some commands today” given by her Occupational Therapist. I am impressed that she was able to follow a direction or two for 2 days in a row! Please continue to focus your thoughts and prayers on building her consistency in this area.

Gary will let me know what the Neurologist says this evening. Take a deep breath, Anita. You've come a long way!

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We have come up with an Intervention Plan for Anita and we need YOUR help!

We are going to have family members and close friends call Anita on a phone line we have set up which will record our voicemails. (The sound quality is VERY good!) We will then "burn" these voicemail messages onto a CD for her to listen to and hopefully to help in her recovery. We pray that hearing her loved ones voices daily will speed her recall of memories, people and events.

Please limit your call to LESS THAN one minute. (We want it to be able to be on one CD so that Gary won't have to keep track of too many CD's.)

IMPORTANT:

***FAMILY ONLY MESSAGES can be left TOMORROW Wednesday June 8th (see number below)

***All Friends can call on Thursday, June 9th.

THE NUMBER TO CALL IS: 206-600-6154

If you happen to "miss" your date and time, no worries just please call before Saturday. The reason we have a deadline on this is so that we can "turn it around" quickly and give it to her for her benefit.

If you have any questions or problems, please call Jamie and Del Ross at 770-582-0681 or e-mail Mommycafemom@aol.com.

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 8:50 PM CDT

Please read "Journal History" for Anita's amazing progress today.
__________________________________________________
We have come up with an Intervention Plan for Anita and we need YOUR help!

We are going to have family members and close friends call Anita on a phone line we have set up which will record our voicemails. (The sound quality is VERY good!) We will then "burn" these voicemail messages onto a CD for her to listen to and hopefully to help in her recovery. We pray that hearing her loved ones voices daily will speed her recall of memories, people and events.

Please limit your call to LESS THAN one minute. (We want it to be able to be on one CD so that Gary won't have to keep track of too many CD's.)

IMPORTANT:

***FAMILY ONLY MESSAGES can be left TOMORROW Wednesday June 8th (see number below)

***All Friends can call on Thursday, June 9th.

THE NUMBER TO CALL IS: 206-600-6154

If you happen to "miss" your date and time, no worries just please call before Saturday. The reason we have a deadline on this is so that we can "turn it around" quickly and give it to her for her benefit.

If you have any questions or problems, please call Jamie and Del Ross at 770-582-0681 or e-mail Mommycafemom@aol.com.

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 5:57 PM CDT

"The best way out is always through."
~ ROBERT FROST

Who ever said there wasn't a God?! Truly unbelievable! We asked God to help Anita respond to a request and today, June 7th , her daughter’s birthday, …she DID!!! Anita closed her eyes upon command and… she squeezed a hand upon command!!! Now, Gary wants me to point out that it was NOT consistent yet, but SHE DID IT!!!

The Neurologist was there to witness and is completely overjoyed!!! They asked her also if she was hot or cold, respectively, and she would shake her head so we are hoping that, indeed, she intended to shake her head for "No"! By responding to those commands, even INconsistently, we can see that she will most probably be able to have reciprocal communication. Just keep focusing your prayers on her following requests or commands.

One thing that has been upsetting recently for Gary is that as Anita comes into a “lighter state” she does have a very worried look on her face. The really wonderful thing though is that it appears that once she is comfortable with that person being there, SHE WLL SMILE!!! As Gary says, she is about 3 to 4 steps out the door on her 1,000 mile journey, but she's off!!!

Wow! Everything you all have prayed specifically for has been answered!!! It's truly a miracle.

As far as Anita's removal of her ventilator goes, they are going to wait just a few more days. They believe she can breathe on her own now, but that she needs her esophagus to open a little more with the help of the steroid medication. Tuesday is the day we are all hoping for success in this area.

Anita’s OBGYN, who saved her life and happens to live in their neighborhood was extremely happy when he saw Anita today. He alluded to her increase in overall awareness of her surroundings.

Lastly, Gary wanted me to send a huge "Thank You” to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and toys and cards sent to Shayla for her 4th birthday today. The thoughtfulness came in the form of mail, in boxes, in a bunch of balloons, in vases… from all over and it was a huge outreach. Shayla had a good day and they all went to see the movie “Madagascar” together. He told me to please thank American Girl for sending Shayla the most AMAZING Birthday Party in a Box (“Hello Kitty” theme)!!! He went on and on for about 10 minutes about how appreciative he was and about everything they included in it for Shayla's Birthday party and just how touched he was to think how much love and care they put into the box.

I don’t know about you, but I just breathed the deepest sigh of relief! Thank you all SOOOOOOO MUCH!!! There is no other explanation for this other than your prayers to God and Anita’s fighting spirit. Thank you!

Keep it up, honey!

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 7:02 AM CDT

Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.
~MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

Audrey,Anita's mom, told me to tell you all that it's an "UP" day today!!! She said they are all very excited over here. She will give me an update in a little while so "stayed tuned". ????

Today, June 7th, is Anita and Gary’s oldest daughter, Shayla’s, fourth birthday. Please pray for her and the entire family. Anita has always worked hard to make her children feel special and loved every day, and on their birthdays she takes time to give them the sense that they are the center of the universe on that day. Since she is not able to do this today, send all of your loving thoughts today to Shayla so she can feel her mother’s love through yours from all across the country and world.

Monday, June 6, 2005 2:32 PM CDT

"Miracles happen to those that believe in them." - Bernard Berenson

Many of you have asked about sweet baby Jarrett. Unfortunately, Jarrett was without oxygen for 6 minutes at the same time as Anita. The effect of oxygen deprivation in a newborn is even more severe than for an adult. The EEG performed on Jarrett's brain stem showed no sign of activity and there is no expectation that this will change. (You can see previous journal entries by clicking on the "read journal history" link above.) Gary and Anita's angel is hanging on, but only God can say for how much longer.

Another prayer answered. Anita finally went to sleep! She has been sleeping on and off all day and so her brain and body are busy healing itself. Gary also thinks she slept so much today because she had both Physical and Occupational Therapy sessions today and this wiped her out a bit from the stimulation. Because of her sleeping a lot today there is no detailed update on her progress.

Please pray especially for Gary today. Today seemed especially tough for him and he needs us all behind him. We are dragging from worry about when Anita will “wake up” and sometimes the thoughts are nothing, but overwhelming. I really would love it if we could all focus on praying for Anita’s healing in regard to her cognitive ability so that she can follow request or command. That’s her next needed step and with all of you praying I have complete faith that this prayer will be answered too!

Anita really needs this miracle.

Thank you for all of your prayers! Your prayers are not only helping Anita, Jarrett, Gary, Shayla, Alex and the whole family, but these words help and comfort her friends, and for that we are grateful.

Sunday, June 5, 2005 5:47 PM CDT

Today some important prayers have been answered with Anita’s recovery! First, it seems as though Anita can, indeed, see! Gary said he hopes it not just wishful thinking, but today her eyes were wide open for the visit again. Her Dad, Hank, had noticed that she seemed to be focusing on his glasses (being able to track reflections laterally is typically a first step). Also, he was observing how Anita seemed to try to focus on the embroidered logo on his shirt, and then she would look away. She seems to look at the TV when it is turned on and she appears to stare at it. Another big improvement is that she was moving the right side of her body today!!!

Anita is turning so often toward every audible sound around her that Hank thinks it’s preventing her from sleeping. For example, when closing the blinds to darken her room, she turned toward that sound. She hasn’t really slept since yesterday so we could all pray that she has a restful nights sleep to help heal her body and brain even more.

The ventilator tube remains in Anita’s throat for 2 reasons, one is that on the weekend they are not fully staffed at the hospital, and two an ICU specialist said that he thinks she will not be ready for removal until not even tomorrow. We hope that it will be! She is now able to rid herself of the extra inhalant condensation of the ventilator tube all by herself by coughing and gagging a bit, and that’s good.

Anita resumes her Physical Therapy sessions this week. Each day Anita’s steps are gradual, but HUGE! You GO Girl! We love you!!!

Saturday, June 4, 2005 6:46 PM CDT

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow."

~ Helen Keller

This Sunday please take a moment and share these beautiful Rothman family photographs with us. The pictures were taken about a month ago by her dear friend, Alisha Robertson. Anita loves her girls’ long eyelashes so much that she wanted some pictures of them! We love seeing how Gary makes her laugh.

Anita’s MRI results were considered “inconclusive” meaning that there is “nothing new” or no new problems happening with respect to the brain, such as seizures. The initial MRI taken 2 days after the accident and the MRI taken yesterday (Friday) both have concluded that Anita has some brain damage on the right and left sides of the brain, but primarily on the right side which would affect vision. As Gary puts it, “we won’t know until she comes to.”

Gary’s tone and voice seemed more upbeat today (and this from a guy who has blown us all away this past week). He said, “Anita made a little bit of progress today.” When Gary walked into the room, Anita’s eyes were wide open and they stayed that way for nearly the entire visit! This is a big improvement over yesterday because yesterday her eyes were half-mast briefly and then closed again for the rest of the visit. Today, there were times when it seemed as though Anita were trying to “focus” and then she would look away. She also seemed to be more consistently turning toward audio sounds in the room, especially when someone would start speaking, or the TV was turned on, or some other change happened. We are so thankful for the increase in attentiveness with her eyes and possible eye focusing as well. In addition, we give thanks that her consistency of turning towards sounds has increased today!.

Gary also said Anita seemed to be trying to make sense out of her surroundings – paying attention to one item for a little while, then another.

We are focusing our prayer efforts on two areas tonight.

1. Anita being able to increase her movement on the right side of her body, as it appears, at this point, that there is little initiated movement on the right side.

2. That Anita will begin to follow a verbal command or request.

Thank you for each and every prayer and thought. We know it is working!

SPECIAL NOTE FROM GARY ROTHMAN, ANITA’S HUSBAND:

Dear Family and Friends,

I can hardly express my deepest gratitude for everything you all have done to show your love and concern for Anita, Jarrett, Shayla and Alexandra and our entire family. The tremendous outpouring of thoughts and prayers is truly amazing. I believe it to be the soul reason we are able to remain strong and is why Anita is alive and recovering! Thank you to our families, our friends in Atlanta and Wisconsin and California, our dear friends who have kept in touch with us who live in other states, our friends from American Girl, Coke and friends and colleagues from other jobs in the past. If you do not know our family personally and have been praying for us, I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart. We consider you our dear friends as well!

Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to hold it together. Thank you for your prayers of hope and of peace for both Jarrett and Anita. We know with your help and support and God’s intervention, we will get through this.

Much Love,
Gary

Friday, June 3, 2005 10:22 PM CDT

Just received an update from Diana (Anita's sister). The MRI results are not yet available and will not be until tomorrow. The results of the MRI will include a look at the brain function and the clot that was diagnosed yesterday in the main artery leading to her heart.

Anita is showing a few signs of improvement, such as blinking her eyes and occasionally shifting her eyes from side to side. We would like to see her open them wider and focus on things. They decided to regularly put on her glasses in order to take away the possibility that her normal vision might make it harder for her to see and react to stimuli (like the people in the room). Together with her glasses on, much better coloring and reduced swelling (normal after such intense trauma) have made Anita seem much more like...Anita!

The doctors have not removed her ventilator yet, and are first planning to do a "leak test" to determine if Anita is able to exhale on her own. We are praying that the steroid medication did, indeed, bring the edema (swelling) down and that she is not uncomfortable and sore from having the tube in her throat for 10 days. To clarify for everyone, Anita was put on a ventilator not so much because she was not able to breathe at all, but because the trauma and swelling was making breathing very difficult for her. It would be such a wonderful step if that tube could be taken out tomorrow.

Diana was happy to report that Anita is trying to lift her head!!! She also had her first brief Physical Therapy session (cut short because of MRI preparation) that focused on leg movement.

Gary reads to Anita and they are playing music and rubbing her arms to the beat of the music in her room as was noted earlier today.

Diana is going back to her family tomorrow, but will be returning to Wisconsin soon. We know how much her coming has meant to Gary, her parents, Shayla and Alex, and to Anita. All of us in this special Anita Community are very thankful that she has been there. It is impossible to say how proud we all are of Gary's strength through this whole situation. Anita, when you read this (soon, please!) give Gary one or two extra hugs for all of us.

We have all been amazed at the global impact Anita has had in her life as shown by the volume and geographic diversity of the messages posted to the guestbook. Kelly was curious and decided to put it all down on a single sheet. This is the result. (click on the link or copy and paste http://www.georgetownchimes.org/del/WorldList.htm into your browser)

Thanks, Kelly!

Friday,June 3rd 4:30pm

This will be a brief update because we are expecting a more detailed update this evening. Anita received approval to undergo a second MRI of her brain and after it is complete we will give you the results. (Her first MRI was taken 2 days after the accident.) We are praying hard that she has not had any additional brain damage or seizure activity since then.

Anita was becoming more restless and thrashy, so now she is on the heavy sedation medication, except periodically when they need to test her neurological responses and functioning. Gary thinks there has been more movement today. The family believes she has made a "slight improvement over yesterday bordering on ~ same as yesterday". During this morning's exam, Anita's Neurologist was still optimistic and happy that she has not worsened. He said that she "reacted a litte bit better" today and he was very happy to hear that she responded to music.

Gary said that although Anita is not really a "music type person", she opened her eyes immediately when Gary played her favorite song "Come My Way" from the Mulan Rouge soundtrack. Anita also turned her head to the audio speaker as well. We know the effect Music can play with brain injuries and it seems that Anita responded well!

Again, expect an update this evening and pray that the MRI shows improvement.
________________________________________

SPECIAL NOTE FROM GARY ROTHMAN, ANITA’S HUSBAND:

Dear Family and Friends,

I can hardly express my deepest gratitude for everything you all have done to show your love and concern for Anita, Jarrett, Shayla and Alexandra and our entire family. The tremendous outpouring of thoughts and prayers is truly amazing. I believe it to be the soul reason we are able to remain strong and is why Anita is alive and recovering! Thank you to our families, our friends in Atlanta and Wisconsin and California, our dear friends who have kept in touch with us who live in other states, our friends from American Girl, Coke and friends and colleagues from other jobs in the past. If you do not know our family personally and have been praying for us, I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart. We consider you our dear friends as well!

Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to hold it together. Thank you for your prayers of hope and of peace for both Jarrett and Anita. We know with your help and support and God’s intervention, we will get through this.

Much Love,
Gary

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 3:50 PM CDT

The neurologist said that Anita is in "the same condition" as she was yesterday which is good. She was successfully taken off the sedation medication and her eyes, "her big beautiful eyes", opened up immediately and stayed open. Please pray specifically that Anita begin to "register" what she sees. When they check her eyes with the flashlight instrument, they report "That's good."

They have decided to keep the respiratory tubes in her throat for at least 2 more days while they administer steroid medication to bring down the inflammation and decrease the soreness in her throat.

The surgeon who saved her life has been incredible, has been checking on Anita, has called the family often, and has visited the family. The question of how long will she be required to stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) was raised to him. He replied that based on her vital organs, blood pressure rate and lungs, she should not still be in ICU. In other words, her current condition would not warrant keeping her in. The reason she is still in is because of "maintenance" and the issue of air and breathing (the respirator tube and the swelling and sorenesss). That is good news that she is not struggling to stay alive.

If the removal of the air tube goes well in 2 days, then the next step we are hoping for is that she will be relocated to a Rehabilitation Area of the hospital or Rehab facility which has bed availability. We do not know the exact timeline of that. That would be up to God and Anita.

Anita's father Hank said "The only analogy I can come up with is...if Anita were about to embark on a 1,000 mile journey, she has just taken 2 steps out the door." It might take a long time for her to heal, but we have seen some positive steps in the right direction. We have seen what prayer can do. We need a miracle!

One more note: I think it might be good to access the website for updates as much as possible and slightly decrease the phone calls. Hank and the family are so appreciative, but the phone is ringing so much that it is getting difficult. If you do need to call and have multiple people in the household who would like to hear the update, please have them listen on the phone as well.

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 11:12 AM CDT

The doctor has not seen Anita yet today, but she is doing a lot of thrashing around and is being restrained and sedated so she does not pull out anything.

In the next half hour, they will be beginning the "weaning" of the sedation meds. Please pray that this will help her respond to more stimuli and come out of her semi-conscious state. The Doctor had said yesterday that she is "becoming lighter" which means she is moving forward. She has been moving around so much that yesterday was sedated for 3/4 of the day (she was able to pull her respirator out ~little stinker!).

They had tried to gradually remove the respirator, but she was swollen and in some pain so please pray specifically that the respirator removal is succesful.

Thank you for prayig that the weaning of the sedation meds goes well and that the Doctor has goods things to report today.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:49 AM CDT

Anita's dad reports that she has made some progress once again. Last night, she was thrashing quite a bit in her bed - so much so that restraints were required for her safety. This kind of motor activity is a good sign. The doctor, who the family believes to be a very straight-shooter and who does not sugar coat or understate anything - indicates that she has reached a new plateau that is a higher level than we have seen yet.

The next thing we need to see is her ability to show some awareness of her surroundings. She has her eyes open but there is no way of knowing what, if anything, she sees. What we want (and should focus our prayers on) is for her to respond to a command/request from the room - squeezing the hand that is holding hers, moving her toes, anything that is in direct response to someone speaking to her. This is very important. Since we know by now how God is clearly listening to us - ask for this.

Baby Jarrett is not doing well and is unilkely to survive this ordeal. If he has a fraction of the spirit and soul of his family, he is a wonderful little guy who will light up any surroundings he is placed in. Pray to God to help him find peace in this world and move to a better place if that is His will.

Please don't forget to pray for the family as well. After a week of this, you can imagine the stress and strain this places. Help them to keep their strength up by sending your thoughts of love and support northward to them all.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:43 AM CDT

Alisha Robertson sent in a couple more incredible pictures. They can be seen in the Guestbook. Take a look when you have a moment, but have a tissue handy.

Monday, May 30, 2005 3:23 PM CDT

Anita is "not doing well today" - no details at this point but it is not good news. Keep fighting, Anita - we know you are tired but you need to stay strong.

Gary, our thoughts are with you constantly and we are all here. The Vinebrook Lane crowd was at Paul & Kelly's today and someone brought Anita's famous hors d'oevre - bacon-wrapped sausage in brown sugar. It was the first thing to go - and it was like she was there with us.

Sunday, May 29, 2005 2:47 PM CDT

Just spoke with Audrey (Anita's mom). Anita has bounced back from her rough night and is now where she was yesterday. The neurologist has said she has not declined in any way.

Sunday, May 29, 2005 9:02 AM CDT

Anita is having a little trouble today. The doctors were disturbed by some movements on the side of her mouth and she may have had some seizures or convulsions of some kind. Also, she had a high fever which is now abated. I think these symptoms have stopped for now but this is the time for renewed prayers.

One point of clarification - the food she was given was a kind of pedialyte substance. She was not aware that she was being fed.

We are by no means out of the woods. Stay strong everyone. Stay strong, Anita!

Saturday, May 28, 2005 8:22 PM CDT

Gary and Anita's mom, Audrey, both said that Anita showed definite signs of improvement today. She is moving her limbs a little - meaning she is not paralyzed - and showing a little more response to stimuli. This is good progress, although everyone would like to see it happen faster. She is also taking some food now. The prayers are working, so keep them coming.

Jarrett's condition is the same as it was. This little guy needs more prayers and thoughts of love than ever.

One note - Anita cannot receive visitors in the ICU. Please wait until the family has given the all clear before making any trips! They appreciate the desire for their friends to come up and help more than words can express but right now the best help is exactly what everyone is doing.

Friday, May 27, 2005 8:02 PM CDT

We just spoke to Audrey, Anita's mom, about how Anita did on the MRI today.
Her results were considered "Fair" and there are NO SIGNS OF MAJOR BRAIN DAMAGE.
She remains in a semi-conscious state. She has made some progress today although small steps.
Unfortunately, Jarrett seems to be worsening.

Please say some extra prayers tonight. Our arms are around you Rothman Family.

-Jamie Ross

Friday, May 27, 2005 1:18 PM CDT

Gary wanted everyone to know that he does NOT want this website to be the only way you get your information about Anita and Jarrett. He welcomes the calls and the love and support that it shows. He also wants to be sure that Anita's friends are able to feel as close a connection to her as possible during this time.

SO - don't hesitate to call.

Friday, May 27, 2005 10:12 AM CDT

Del just spoke with Gary. Anita's EEG (electroencephalogram) took place this morning and showed positive signs of brain-stem function. Gary did not say whether this showed "normal" activity or not, but he did say this was a good sign. Also this morning, Anita responded when a nurse called her name. She opened her eyes and turned toward the nurse, although she still did not make eye contact and did not fully turn to face the sound. This is also an improvement.

Jarrett's condition, however, has worsened. The same neurologist performed an EEG on Jarrett and was very discouraged by the results. Gary is preparing for the worst.

Anita's parents are with the family and are taking shifts with Gary to be with the children and at the hospital. They have received a tremendous amount of support and help from their neighbors, friends, and Gary's employer, American Girl. At this point, more visitors would probably not be helpful and might add additional confusion and stress for Shayla and Alex, who at this point only know that Anita is very sick.

Please continue to pray for Anita and Jarrett with all your hearts. Gary could also use your prayers, as could the entire family. Also pray for the hospital staff.

Thursday, May 26, 2005 10:23 PM CDT

Anita Rothman, our wonderful friend and mother of Shayla, Alexandra, and newborn Jarrett and wife of Gary, needs your prayers. She is in a hospital (location to be updated very soon) in Madison, Wisconsin, in intensive care and is fighting for her life. At this point, all signs point to amniotic embolism as the cause of her condition - a very rare complication of pregnancy. It is one of the most dangerous obstetric conditions. You can read some about it here.

Jarrett, their newborn son, is also in critical condition and has just had a breathing tube inserted. He also needs your prayers and love.

Please pray for Anita, Jarrett and the whole family and encourage your friends, family, and community to join you - it works.

We will use this site as a means of sharing information with Anita's friends so that Gary is not overwhelmed with well-meaning requests for updates.

TOMORROW, May 27, is a very important day. She will have an MRI to explore her neurological functions. Please pray for a good result.

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