March 22, 2020

Update from Kim: 

Shannon was able to do some breathing on her own yesterday with less help from the ventilator. She was responding to the SICU team’s requests to open her eyes and squeeze their hands the few times they took her out of sedation. She tires easily and needs the rest so she will continue to be on a cycle of sedation and waking. 

We were able to FaceTime with her once while she was supposed to be awake, but they already had her doing all response testing before our call, so she fell asleep before we could talk to her. We really want her to hear our voices. 

We didn’t hear from any doctors yesterday- apparently weekend doctors aren’t as good at communicating with family as weekday doctors are. 

Today she will have her ventilator settings turned down again so she can practice breathing on her own more. The ventilator will continue to assist her.

Still no COVID-19 results, so she’s still in isolation. We learned from a friend who is a nurse that it has probably been the best thing for her in her condition to be isolated.The risk of her catching COVID-19 or something else from the medical staff has been lowered because they are required to suit up. So we will take it as a blessing that she’s been protected. 

She’s still in critical condition. We love to hear of her progress, but know she is still fighting hard to make it through this. 

Please pray for:

• The COVID-19 test to come back negative so we can come be with her.
• For her vital organs to regain their proper function. 
• That she will remain strong and fight hard. 
• Also for peace, for Shannon and for her family. 

We love you all and are so grateful that you are praying for her and for us! Thank you so much!