Barbara Hertel

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


For those that may not know why we have set up this Caring Bridge page...Barbara Hertel was preparing for Hurrican Irma and on Friday, Sept 8, 2017  when she slipped and hit her head on the grass.  It hurt but she didn't feel injured, a need to go to the doctor's, etc. and Hurricane Irma was what was on her, and everyone else's, mind.  Irma hit that weekend and during the following week, Barbara and countless others, were just managing without water, electricity, etc. ,  cleaning up and volunteering to help others.  In Barbara's case, she had been cleaning in yard, cooking & baking and taking things needed to first responders and the local retirement center as well as  entertaining her grandchildren....which is her favorite thing to do!


We did notice she seemed tired and had a headache, on and off,  but considering the past week she had it made sense.  Her kids encouraged her to go to the doctor and she finally did on Monday, Sept 18th.    After seeing the doctor, she was sent to get an MRI and was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain from the fall.  From there,  they transported her immediately to the ER at Westside Regional Medical Center.   On Sept. 20th, Barbara had brain surgery to relieve the pressure and remove the bleed on the brain.  The surgery went well and after staying in the ICU until Sat. Sept, 30th when she was moved out onto a medical floor.   Barbara has been participating and receiving Speech and Physical Therapy   as soon after the surgery as allowed.  


Today, Oct 4th, Barbara is moving to Memorial Rehabilitation Institute.    She is making progress, but this recovery is going to be a marathon not a sprint.  It's going to be baby steps and require hard work, patience & love.  We know Barbara is up for this challenge but she  & her husband, Bill (& Billy, Jenn and family ; Dianne, Jon and family) will need a lot of encouragement, support and prayers.


So, now it's time to cheer Barbara on!!  We love her so much!!