Update: On April 17th, Iris suffered a severe seizures-like incident and ended up unconscious at UW Montlake Hospital. The following day, she had two more episodes and life-saving measures were required, including needing to be intubated to protect her airway. It was determined that Iris was suffering from a syndrome called Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity where her sympathetic nervous system was irritated by inflammation. Her medical providers suspected infection and she was hospitalized for 12 days as they ran tests and waited for results. She began to wake up on day four. She was in pain, disoriented and distressed. Over the next week she worked hard and has shown great signs of healing. Finally, the last test came back negative for infection. The most persistent symptom now is fatigue. As we discharge home, we are asking for support in resuming regular life through meals and visits to Iris while Lisa works. On March 27th Iris will have a delicate surgery to remove a brain tumor called a meningioma. In 2009 when Iris was 7 she underwent craniospinal radiation to treat a high grade malignant tumor of the brain and spine and that radiation caused this new tumor to develop. The tumor needs to come out because it is at risk of blocking a major blood vessel. This page to allows the community to help Lisa, Iris, and Rory during the recovery. Lisa says the main help she needs are (1) food and (2) someone to check in on Iris during late afternoons (Mon/Wed/Thurs) while Lisa is still working. This site also allows for a Care Card that can be used at restaurants or other places, a Visa debit card as a gift, and Venmo, if that is a way you feel most able to give. See Support Links to the right of the home page. The help will be needed starting April 2rd, because Lisa's sister (Julie) is staying with them for a week during and after surgery/recovery. See the Care Calendar, below, to sign up for a task. Click the link"I'll Help" button to sign up. Lisa's address: 4835 S Juneau Seattle WA 98118 FOOD: I have set up a calendar for starting at 4/2. (Scroll down to see the calendar!) Plan on dinner for 4 people, if you can. We will aim for at least 2-3 meals per week. See "Special Notes" below for a guide on the types of food Iris, Rory, and Lisa like. No beef or pork, please. Sign up on the calendar and please label any containers you want returned. Leave food in the large insulated black bag that will be on the front porch and text or call Lisa to let her know it is there: 206-595-6257. AFTERNOON STAYS WITH IRIS: Lisa works Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday afternoons and is gone from 2:15 pm until somewhere between 7:30 and 9:15 pm. For Iris' safety while Lisa is working, she would like someone to stay with Iris for 1.5 hour increments. If you cannot stay that long, please sign up but then notify Lisa (206-595-6257) so that she is aware and get coverage. Iris will not need help getting to the bathroom or with personal care. See calendar for sign up.
Dietary restrictions: no beef or pork. Iris likes chicken dishes, turkey and chicken chili, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, rice and beans (refried preferred but likes pinto beans too), Caesar salad, broccoli cheddar soup, lasagna, pasta dishes, pizza, cooked broccoli, fresh carrots and bell peppers and pretty much all fresh fruits except bananas. Lisa and Rory like all of the above and all vegetables, seafood, soups. Lisa and Iris don’t like spicy food but Rory does. There will be a black insulated bag on the porch to leave food in. Please label any containers you would like returned. Lisa’s cell phone number is (206)595-6257. You can text when you leave food. If you would like to say hello, please text ahead to see if Iris is feeling up for a visit.