Deb Bernier Supporting Deb Bernier

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to organize support for Deb as she continues her journey of healing. We know that family and friend want to help, but don't always know how.  So here are some ways you can help. We appreciate your support, however big or small, as well as your words of encouragement. 

Deb has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis for about 18 years. She has had many surgeries over the years, but this past year has been brutal. In addition to neck surgery and ulnar nerve surgery, Deb had a complete knee replacement in May.  In June, she fell and shattered her femur, resulting in another surgery to put a plate in her leg.  The femur didn't heal well, and in December, it was discovered that she had a staph infection. She was hospitalized on December 23rd and had surgery to remove her knee replacement and the plate. She was then on IV antibiotics for 8 weeks and had an external fixator on the entire length of her leg.  Deb has been continuously in the hospital or in short term rehab since December, with many complications. She is currently at Benedictine Health Center Innsbruck (Short Term Rehabilitation Center) in New Brighton. Her next surgery will be another knee replacement and possibly a partial titanium femur.  

To know Deb is to admire her strength and grace in the face of pain and suffering. Deb keeps the hospital staff laughing in spite of her pain. She has always given so much to her family, friends, and career, and it is gratifying that she is being surrounded by your love, prayers, support, and helping hands.  For now, the biggest need is transportation to medical appointments. The needs will be much greater when she returns home and continues the healing process.  Please click on "Ways to Help" to see what Deb's needs are---we will update it as her needs increase. And thank you for your support!