Ron Schleicher

On Monday, October 5th, 2020, Ron was working in the yard with Barb. Ron was finishing up with putting away their tools while Barb took their foster dog on a short walk. When Barb returned, she found Ron down by the boathouse, holding the door handle with his eyes open but not responsive to any questions. Barb quickly got the medical professional neighbor's help and they called 911. Ron was rushed to Fairview Wyoming hospital where they determined it was likely some form of stroke.  He was medically sedated and intubated to protect his airway.  They sent him for his first MRI where they discovered a large brain bleed in his right brain. Fairview decided his best care would be at M Heath Fairview at the U of M and he was transferred there that night.  He was admitted to the neuro ICU. 


On Tuesday, October 6th, further scans showed that Ron had an unknown aneurysm that had burst, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke. The doctors were able to perform a minimally invasive procedure to run a platinum coil through his blood vessels and into his brain to tie off the bleeding aneurysm. The procedure was a success and they were able stop the bleeding. The doctors inserted a shunt into his brain to drain the blood that was trapped there. The shunt was successful at relieving the pressure in his brain, which meant he did not have to undergo invasive brain surgery. Barb spent much of the day with Ron but COVID-19 restrictions have limited visitors and visiting hours. No one but Barb is allowed into the hospital to be with Ron. During the day on Tuesday, Brent, Krista, and Matt were able to meet Barb at a park near the U to send prayers, love, and support despite not being allowed into the hospital.


On Wednesday, October 7th, Ron was stable enough to continue with more testing. In previous tests, the doctors had noticed something abnormal about his kidney but they were busy treating his brain injury at the time. On Wednesday, they looked closer at his kidney and discovered that his left kidney had a very large mass in it. His doctors feel that it is very likely to be cancerous. Kidney cancer most frequently spreads first into the chest and lungs so doctors took a close look but did not find any indications of cancer present in his chest. Good news! The doctors also said that the tumor may have had something to do with his aneurysm. The doctors will likely remove Ron's kidney once he recovers from his brain injury and they are optimistic that his other kidney can pick up the slack. 


On Thursday, October 8th, the doctors began gently weaning him off his sedation. This process can take several days or more and doctors caution us to be patient while his body heals from his injuries.  Barb was able to witness him slightly moving his hands and arms, and some eye movement.  His shunt is continuing to do its job and we are hopeful he won't need it much longer. Awesome improvements! 


At this time, Barb and the rest of the family, request continued prayers for Ron's healing, for peace and comfort, and for patience as we navigate these long days of healing ahead.


Almighty and Eternal God,
You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You.
Hear us for Your sick servant Ron
for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy,
that being restored to bodily health,
he may give thanks to You in Your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.



"Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10