Jillian’s Story

Site created on November 23, 2022

My name is Austin Sabers and I am one of Jillian Nitschelm’s older brothers. For those who are catching up here is a brief outline of what’s going on. Over the last couple of weeks, Jillian has been dealing with what we thought was just a virus. Despite several trips to the urgent care for a persistent sore throat and cough, she just wasn't getting any better. On Sunday November 20th, Jillian went in to the Bozeman Emergency Room in hopes of some answers and more aggressive treatment. Upon arrival to the ER her oxygen was 78% on room air (normal is >90%), she was coughing up a significant amount of blood and in severe respiratory distress. She was placed on a high flow oxygen machine to get her oxygen levels back up, and a significant amount of testing was started. Around 10:30pm on Sunday, she was admitted to Bozemans Intensive Care Unit, and the decision was made by doctors to place her on a ventilator to assist with her breathing and attempt to get her lungs to recover. An initial diagnosis of severe atypical pneumonia, has now turned to septic shock related to a bilateral bacterial pneumonia. Her road to recovery, is going to be a long one with ongoing testing and heavy antibiotics to combat the infection, and high level respiratory support. Drs are predicting at least several more days of being on the ventilator. Jillian is set to graduate from Montana State University this coming May in Nutrition and Dietetics, and has been working so diligently to complete it. Her professors and MSU staff are all working hard to keep her on track, and we want to thank them for that. Jillian is one of the strongest women I know, she has huge dreams and expectations, and with a little extra prayer she will get through this. Thank you so much for keeping Jillian in your thoughts and prayers. 



Rob, Rhonda, Austin, Chase, Braden and families. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Rhonda Nitschelm

Life is so challenging.  The last month has put the preciousness of life in perspective for myself and my family.  How can we possibly thank all of you?  We have taken a few moments to regroup, as life takes on a new meaning here in our own homes….differently for each of us.  Thank you for your patience.  
We are so grateful for the messages, donations, prayers, medical advice from some of the best, offers to help at home while away, colleagues stepping up at work, care packages of personal effects, socks and underwear, gift cards, food, just a listening ear, and lots of hugs and loving support, etc. etc.  Most of all, it has granted us the ability to be extremely grateful for an intact family unit. These people are our life, and we feel so blessed and grateful that God has granted us more time to appreciate every moment, but also to give back in a different light and perspective. 
We love you all, and can never thank you enough for everything that you have done.  Jillian heard and felt your prayers and love, and she is “kicking ass”!  We are so proud of her. Watch Out World!  Thank you for everything!  Sincerely, The Nitschelm Family
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