We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Lisa’s Story

Site created on September 9, 2018

On Thursday, September 6th, our hearts were shattered by a phone call saying our mom had been involved in a serious car accident and was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
At the time of the phone call, we learned she was struck on the drivers side. This resulted in a fractured pelvis, fractured femur, several internal injuries, along with severe trauma to the top of her brain and brain stem.
When our Mom arrived at the hospital she was immediately brought in to the OR. In the OR they found fluid around her heart, misaligned pupils, and internal damages to her abdomen.
A CT scan was performed to see how much pressure and bleeding there is. Mom has bleeding in the central part of her brain along with some blood and damage to the brain stem. The doctors put in three tubes to drain what they can and reduce swelling, they have been in place since late Thursday evening. So far, it is working, along with the help of meds to keep the pressures (blood and brain) down. We also learned that she will remain in the ICU for 5 days to monitor her pressures. With most accidents, the swelling will get worse before it gets better.
Friday, September 7th around 7pm, her ICP (intracranial pressure) and blood pressure levels were down without the use of medication. This continued into Saturday, Sept. 8th. This means her body is starting regulate these pressures on its own. This is good! Saturday she was sent to the OR again to assess the abdominal injuries. The doctors are pleased with what they saw. There is still some abdominal swelling so they cannot close it at this time. By Saturday evening levels were on the rise again, which resulted in the use of medications to help with the pressures.
We will continue to add journal updates as best as we can. Please keep her in your prayers, thoughts, good vibes. They are working, and she needs them more than ever. We know she will fight this.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Tricia Harder — Sep 13, 2018

Never Give Up- words mom lived by.

As the three of us begin our next chapter without our mom, we will remember to never give up. We will never give up on the memories made with her, never give up on the lessons she taught us, and most of never give up on her love for us.

We want to thank everyone for their kind words, flowers, balloons, and prayers for our mom during this time. We take comfort in reading the memories she has made with a lot of people, and the love that everyone has for her.

Memorial information will be passed along soon.

Love,
Tricia, Nicole and Jess

Read More of the journal titled "Thursday, September 13th - Our next chapter"

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Lisa Stay Connected to Family and Friends

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

Comments Hide 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