Brett Tollakson

This is Lisa Tollakson, Brett's wife. A dear friend asked me today if I was going to start a site - a great suggestion as we are so thankful for the amazing outreach and want to share his progress with you - so here it goes. 

On Monday, January 23rd while at work Brett collapsed in the back room at one of the stores he services. He was feeling dizzy and was going to walk out to his truck to rest.  In route is when he had the seizure and ruptured brain aneurysm. Thankfully an employee of the store witnessed and called 911. He was sent by ambulance to Fairview Southdale.

Brett regained consciousness and called me from the ER which is amazing in itself - that was at 10am. A dear friend was available for my frantic call and drove me to the hospital. When I got to him they were prepping him for surgery. 


I was able to be with him until surgery around noon. Again amazing that he was at the right place to have the right people when we needed them.

The surgery was very dangerous and difficult but a success - his aneurysm was secured! It was also shared we are lucky he is alive as that is not the common result. Yes we are lucky, and grateful, and blessed. Reference to a "miracle" has been made several times. 

The days following this are just as critical. He has a lot of recovery to do and risk factors that are constantly monitored. Each step has been positive and the Dr's are happy with his progress but we continue to pray and shed tears and hope and LIVE!

Our daughters have been amazing and strong and such a huge motivator for Brett - his ladies need him! Our family is so incredibly blessed with friends and family and friends of friends and family - it's really amazing. 

As a back story to how we got here - Brett has had untreated high blood pressure for years. My crusade after we have Brett back to full strength is awareness! High blood pressure is so dangerous and it can be fatal. Please use Brett's story as a catalyst to take care of yourself and force loved ones to do the same. 

I will continue to update - please continue to pray for strength, healing, and a full life ahead!