This is being updated by Dixie's sister-in-law, Alicia. 

First off, we want to express our families sincerest gratitude and appreciation for all of the prayers, help, texts, calls, food, and everything in between. It really does take a village and that is evident by all of you and your love for Dixie and her family. 

Here is what has been / is happening...

On Friday, October 13th, Dixie was sent to the hospital in Clearwater, Florida by her doctor at Lifeworks. She was sent there because her sodium levels were very low, and her creatinine levels were high. While in the hospital her health deteriorated drastically. She lost an unhealthy amount of fat and muscle mass, her kidneys stared functioning around 30%, her blood pressure dropped and has remained low, and the doctors at the hospital said there wasn't much else they could do for her besides a hospice kind of care.

Karsten was in Florida with her, and together they determined that she was not benefitting from the hospital stay - it was not good for her spirit, and she didn't feel like she stood a chance of feeling better there. Dixie checked out of the hospital late afternoon on Tuesday, October 17th. That same day 2 of her sons (Carter and Evan) were escorted to Florida by myself and their aunt Beth. Dixie, along with myself and Karsten, met with her doctor at Lifeworks on Wednesday. It was decided by the two of them and the doctor that discontinuing treatment and getting to SD fast was the best option for her.

It was a devastating thing to hear, but we were determined that at this point the best place she could be was in her home surrounded by those whom she loves and who love her. Flying would not be a safe option; the 6 of us left Florida on Wednesday evening and arrived back in Vivian around 7am on Friday, October 20th.

The ultimate prayer is a miracle! But, while we continue to await it, we (her family) are providing Dixie round-the-clock care and making sure she is as comfortable as possible. We are trying to increase her food intake and start a schedule of supplements and medicines that will be beneficial to her body - and as with before, we continue to lift her up in prayer. 

So, once again we ask that you also continue to lift Dixie up in prayer. We ask that you lift Karsten, James, Carter, and Evan up in prayer. We thank you all for everything that you have done, have been doing, and we know will continue to do.

This community is the definition of amazing!

I will never leave you nor forsake you.  ~Hebrews 13:5