Savanna’s Story

Site created on October 20, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


On Sunday October 7th 2018, Savanna was at church like any normal Sunday morning would be for her. As usual Brett and Savanna sat together during the nine o'clock service. Brett always joins Savanna in the congregation after he finishes leading worship with the band. The day before Savanna had been out shopping with her mom, Polli for some new maternity clothes. Polli bought her a new maternity shirt because Savanna was at the point in her pregnancy where she needed some extra room. She was so excited to wear her new shirt Sunday morning! Savanna had mentioned she had a headache to Brett, but after getting something to eat and drink she felt a little better. During the 11 o'clock service Savanna spends her time volunteering for the preschool ministry every Sunday. Its such a joy for her to help out with new born babies while their parents attend the service.  This particular Sunday, the group of women that normally serve in that room were all together taking care of sweet babies. Towards the end of the service time, after some parents had been in to pick up their babies, Savanna mentioned her head was hurting and she felt like she needed to sit down. The other volunteers gave their sympathy and turned out the lights thinking that might help.  She then proceeded to say that her head was hurting really really badly. It seemed to have progressed quickly. She then made it clear to the volunteers with her that she was having a hard time seeing. At this moment, someone ran to get Brett to come be with her. The churches preschool ministry coordinator is a nurse and was close by so she ran in to help out as well.  


Over the next thirty minutes Savanna began having a seizure and within our church family, another nurse and first responder were there to assist quickly. 911 was called and an ambulance was on the way. They took Savanna to Presbyterian Main in Charlotte, Brett with her in the ambulance with family and friends following behind. Once at the hospital she was given a CT scan that showed a massive brain bleed. Her doctor at the time let her family know she was going to get doctors from all floors of the hospital to come give advice on what to do next for Savanna. At that moment the world seemed to have stopped for Brett, Kenny and Polli who were sitting in a private waiting room, joined by some close friends. Through a sequence of small events Savanna was taken to the Neurology floor. As the family moved upstairs, now joined by more friends and family, Savannas doctor asked to meet with her husband and parents to discuss the next options for Savannas life. The Doctors words to them were painful, numbing and hard to comprehend logically. He didn't give much hope to the situation they were in. Said her future looked like, life support or nursing home and that she would never be "Savanna" again. 


At that moment people from across the world began praying for Savanna, baby boy and Brett. God listened and responded. Savannas body has slowly began healing in different ways over the past couple of weeks. There have been many highs and lows, but overall its been very evident The Lord is not done using her life to bring glory to His name. See below progress Savanna has made day by day! Thank you for praying and for continuing to pray!


Check out the "Ways to Help" Tab for meal trains & GoFund Me links 




Newest Update

December 11th,2018

Journal entry by Madison Gilbert —

Savanna has had a great past couple weeks. She’s continued to work hard in physical and occupational therapy everyday. In physical therapy they are preparing her for practical things for her future, such as walking up and down stairs and getting in and out of a car. She’s done very well with both. She has also continued in her pool therapy and really enjoys that. In occupational therapy she plays her family in different strategic games. She’s beat her mom and Brett in air hockey! She hasn’t lost her competitiveness. 

Next week Savanna will be released from rehab and her and Brett will spend the holidays with family. This is such joyous news to know she gets to be out of the “hospital” environment for Christmas. Their families continue to show amble amounts of support and love towards them, even as this new phase comes. With this new transition out of rehab please think respectfully as this is a new phase for them. Brett and Savanna have felt the love from each and every person praying and loving them through this. We ask you to be considerate and give them time and space as they transition through the Christmas season. 

Savanna continues to remain positive and hopeful as each day gets better for her. She enjoys watching Fixer Upper and the Panthers on Sundays, even though she’s been disappointed in their losing. 

Baby Bear is now the size of a cantaloupe & doing great! 
Read More of the journal titled "December 11th,2018"
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