Joan’s Story

Site created on August 1, 2020

Joan was brutally attacked by a stranger in her garage after retrieving an Amazon package around 11 pm on July 30, 2020.  She was beaten beyond recognition and is only alive because Herb found her within five minutes of the attack.   She was treated at OHSU with 10 broken ribs, 3 fractures in her back, a concussion and countless lacerations on her face and head.    She spent 14 days in the hospital and is now recovering at home.

The outpouring of love and support that our entire family has received has been truly unbelievable;  we can't express how much your thoughts and prayers mean to us.   As you can imagine, we are heartbroken and overwhelmed.  We are hopeful that this site can provide us a way to update you on any important information related to Joan's progress.   There are so many people who have asked how they can help and the request is simple:  PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALING & ANSWERS.  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Lyndsey Donnerberg

Herb was finally discharged this afternoon, it has been a waiting game every day!  The embolization procedure was a success and his scans and blood work came back good today.  It has been a long and stressful week for both he and Joan.

Joan is getting around without the walker and even going up and down the stairs, slowly and with the railing, but it is amazing!  She is one tough cookie, let me tell you!  She is still on a pureed diet, but, enjoyed a piece of banana bread yesterday :)  She has a follow-up visit this week with the trauma surgeon who put her face back together the night of the attack, so, she hopes to learn about the next steps in her recovery.

We are so hopeful that today marks a positive uptick in both Joan and Herb's healing.  Being back home together is extremely comforting to them as you might imagine.  

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
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