Sharon Stroehl

On Saturday afternoon, Sharon was doing some work at her house and became ill.  Initially she was taken to Essentia in Fargo and was diagnosed with an aortic dissection.  After several hours of tests and consultation with medical staff, it was determined that she would likely not survive.  It was decided to keep her comfortable surrounded by her family.  While her eyes were  closed nearly the entire time family was visiting, she would answer questions and open her eyes now and then.  After nine hours of praying, waiting and more praying, we received what we believe is divine intervention as a doctor not associated with her case came upon her medical chart and said he felt she could be saved.  So this doctor contacted colleagues from around the country and it was determined she could be taken to Mayo Clinic to be operated on, as he felt Sharon's condition deserved a second chance.  She was life-flighted to Mayo accompanied by her daughter, Amber, and met by a caravan of close family.  She is currently (Sunday at 7 am) in surgery to repair the damage.  As family met her as she was being taken to surgery, she was sitting up, more alert and talking/joking and stated, "Let's roll" as she pointed down the hall for the medical staff to get going.   We were told it would be at least a 5-hour surgery unless there were complications.  She's a fighter and we pray everything falls into place.  We will post updates as they come in.