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Heidi’s Story
Site created on January 5, 2023
On Tuesday, January 3rd, after a few days with a fever that was only getting worse, Heidi's husband Kevin took her to their local ER where they were told she was "seriously ill," diagnosed with Sepsis and transferred via ambulance to another hospital that could provide a higher level of care. Kevin called a priest and Heidi received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick after she arrived at the hospital.
That evening she was diagnosed with a Strep A infection and Toxic Shock. Through the evening her condition declined rapidly and she fell unconscious, struggled to breathe, and was intubated. In addition, due to Shock, her blood pressure was incredibly low and her kidneys were not functioning. In the early hours of the morning the doctor advised Kevin to notify family that if we wished to see her, now was the time to come say goodbye, as her heart would likely stop in the next couple of hours.
Kevin, Heidi's Dad, her two oldest children, and I (Betsy) gathered at her bedside. I begged & prayed loudly as I clutched her hand, trusting that whether in her unconscious mind, or through God's divine grace, every word I sobbed would draw her back to us. Not wanting our Mom to miss a chance to say her goodbyes, I drove to Heidi's home to relieve her and care for Heidi's youngest three, waiting to receive the phone call I dreaded.
Instead, in the late morning I got a text that miraculously Heidi's blood pressure had improved just enough to attempt dialysis, thereby allowing important medications to work more effectively. It was a pinprick of hope.
(Note: Please be aware that the "Donate to CaringBridge" buttons are for donations to the CaringBridge website, and not the Keiser family. If you would like to support the Keisers financially, click on "Ways to Help" and then the GoFundMe link.)
Current FAQs. Updated 01/07/2022
I would like to make a meal, do you have a meal train?
- Thank you! We have been so abundantly blessed with food that we are pausing the Meal Train at this time.
Do you have any food allergies? - Dairy and nuts/peanuts only on the side please. Thank you!
What else can I provide besides meals? Size 5 diapers for Heidi's baby Sunbutter (unsweetened) for Heidi's 5 yr old I heard a rumor that Kevin likes chocolate-covered-espresso beans. He would never ask for them; this is my special request on his behalf. We have been blown away by the support and enormous generosity of so many, in just 24 hours! Our home is beginning to look like a small grocery store, for which we are *incredibly* grateful, but means that at least for now, we are all set on the lunches/snacks/paper products front. THANK YOU! I will be sure to let you know if that need changes.
Do you need breastmilk? No thank you, but I appreciate the thought.
Can I drop off formula? We're all set for now; I will be sure to let you know if this changes, along with brand specifics.
I live far away how and would like to help financially. What's the best way?
- Thank you! Heidi's brother-in-law Anthony has set up a GoFundMe, which can be accessed by clicking on the "Ways to Help" button, above.
How long with the Keiser children be with you, and what about school?
- We have no idea how long they will be here; we are taking it a day at a time. Right now this is the best fit for everyone. Heidi homeschools, which allows for great flexibility with them being an hour away from home.
Is there a particular Saint I can ask to intercede for Heidi? Yes, thank you! Thomas Becket, Pope Benedict XVI
If you have further questions please feel free to ask, and I will use my discretion in answering in another FAQ.
This coming Saturday, July 8th, is Heidi's birthday; she would've been 44. The 8am Mass at St. Ambrose in Woodbury is being offered for her. I will be there to pray for her and for continued grace and comfort for Kevin and their 5 kids.
4125 Woodbury Dr.
Woodbury, MN 55129
If your schedule allows, it would be lovely to be surrounded by friends of mine, hers, and anyone that has been touched by her story, lifting her soul and her family in prayer. To that end, please feel free to share this invitation.
I'll be in the gathering space after Mass long enough to say hello or give a hug; nothing formal. Again, please don't feel any obligation, but I thought there might be others that would appreciate the invitation to remember her in prayer on her birthday.
