Cara’s Story

Site created on December 25, 2018

From Cara's mom, Linda:


On Friday, December 21, 2018, while covering an accident for the newspaper where she is Acting Managing Editor and Regional Sports Editor, Cara had a massive stroke and brain bleed.  She had surgery to stop the bleed and reduce pressure on the brain on Friday night.  As the surgeon explained, if they didn't do the surgery STAT,  she wouldn't survive 24 hours. She was heavily sedated after the surgery , so they let us go to in to tell her we loved her and to give her a kiss. When we got there Saturday morning she opened her eyes, and so desperately wanted to talk, but with a breathing tube she couldn't.  So,  she did a very Cara thing and "talked" to us by signing the alphabet letters to spell her words. The surgeon stopped to talk to us and was a little surprised that she was doing that. He felt a bit more positive after he saw her. She was scheduled for an MRI yesterday afternoon but because of the breathing tube, they are going to try again today.  We limit our time to 5 minutes so as not to tire her. I know some have asked about flowers but because she is in the ICU, they are not allowed. Cara has use of her right side, but still nothing on her left.  We don't know if she'll get some, all, or none back. She is in the ICU, at St. Mary's hospital in Madison,  WI.

We are so thankful for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy at the accident scene Cara was covering who was concerned.  He put her in his squad and got her to the ER in Fort Atkinson,  WI. We are so thankful for the ER for stabilizing her. We are so thankful for the Med-Flight crew who carefully but quickly prepared her for transport to St. Mary's in Madison,  WI . We as so thankful for the surgeon and all the nurses and staff at the ICU at St. Mary's. 


Cara has a long battle but God willing, she'll make it. We are so thankful for our family and friends for their continuing prayers. We love you all. And, to her AOII sisters,  she is 🐼🌹 strong.

Newest Update

March 16, 2019. Slow

Journal entry by Linda and Bob D Dempski —

The past two days have been a bit more relaxed than previous days.  Cara did get a shower. We seem to be getting better at getting that done. She's been working religiously on her passive arm and wrist exercises.  We all need to do more consistent work with her leg exercises when she's on her bed . Thanks, Heather, for visiting this afternoon. She was really looking forward to it.  Thanks, Jack for the cupcakes.  Cara and Heather said they were very good. Wee steps forward.  We believe.  Good night, all.
Read More of the journal titled "March 16, 2019. Slow"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Cara Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Cara's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Cara

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top