“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." --Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (Our sweet Meredith is a Harry Potter fan)
Darkest of times... On Saturday, August 28th, during lunch at a restaurant in Addison, Texas, our daughter, our sister, our granddaughter, our niece, our aunt, our family member, our friend, Meredith Dana Levesque, suffered cardiac arrest. Details of the how and the why are in the hands of medical experts to figure out this mystery. We ask that you continue to pray for their skill and wisdom in hopes that answers will lead us to future healing and full health.
Turn on the light... Forty-eight hours later, we have turned on the light and we are able to see the miracles and blessings that God has provided during this journey.
-Meredith was in a public place that was filled with help and medical personnel that were able to treat her until the arrival of the ambulance and paramedics. She was not home alone.
-An ambulance and paramedic team were available to respond to the call. They arrived at the restaurant within 5-7 minutes.
-The emergency team had the training and equipment to restart Meredith's heart and breathing in the ambulance.
-There was a hospital, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, in close proximity to the restaurant with available personnel and room to treat Meredith so her hospital treatment began quickly.
-There was breathing equipment available on the ambulance and in the hospital for intubation to help Meredith breathe.
-Meredith's parents, Martin and Jamie, who were in Oregon, were able to find flights and transportation to allow them to be back in Texas at the hospital late that evening.
-Within the first 24 hours, after being placed in a medically induced coma, Meredith began to make voluntary movements and respond to pain and verbal commands; therefore, she did not require the body cooling procedure to prevent any further brain injury due to lack of oxygen.
-Ultrasounds have shown baby Theo to have a strong heartbeat and continuous movement since the medical incident.
-Forty-eight hours later, Meredith is off the intubation and ventilator, now breathing on her own. She is able to eat, drink, and speak. Through the exhausting procedures and strong medications, she continues to show signs of her personal strength, her humor, and her bravery.
-In this time of COVID procedures, the Romeo Whiskey Team, Meredith's Jane Doe hospital name that appeared on her medical bracelet, worked in Ninja-like fashion to find an unmonitored entrance to the Critical Care Public Waiting Area. During the most critical time, the first 24 hours, we were able to be close to Meredith's room, protected from the heat outside, and had the ability to pray and support one another.
Within minutes, Meredith's collective tribe and strangers, have been lifting her up in prayer. And we know those prayers have made a difference.
Although this situation has been difficult, we continue to see the blessings, the miracles and the light that has broken through the darkness.
As someone who loves Meredith, we will work to keep you informed and connected through this site.
Each night, turn on a light in your house for Meredith and Theo. This light can be your reminder to lift them up in prayer each day.
Thank you for your love and prayers. They are helping.
Surgery went great! ICD is implanted, incisions are healing, and LifeVest is tossed aside! We are now hanging out waiting to be discharged.
Super thankful for a successful surgery and the peace of mind ahead. Meredith has some bruising and soreness, but this will fade over the next week.
Thanks again to all for supporting our loveable cyborg, Meredith, and our family, on this health journey. Hopefully no more updates for a time. Appreciate you following along.
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