Hey everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paddy here. I promised mommy I’d be giving you all updates throughout the week to ensure that everyone is kept abreast of how she is doing. I’m here to tell you that from start to finish, Francie was surrounded by friends, family, and an attentive hospital staff all making sure that she attacks this week with her best foot forward.

Francie arrived at Hahnemann/Drexel University Hospital in Philadelphia this morning accompanied by her daddy and Mark. Grammy (Mrs. Fitzgerald) and I were not far behind. Most of the morning consisted of Francie getting lab work done and waiting for the results to come back before officially starting the IV Ketamine later in the afternoon. Celebrating their anniversary today, Francie encouraged her parents to enjoy their evening while Teddy and Gabby brought with them to the hospital some homework and hair-braiding skills to enjoy in good company.

As the evening went on, Francie was administered Ketamine in progressive doses until reaching her stable 40 mg / hour. Throughout this time, she was in her trademark positive spirits and with jokes and smiles to fill up the room with Teddy, Gabby, and Mark.

(Marky thought he looked smart in Francie’s Neuroscience shirt)…

As the long day came to a close, Francie’s eyes started to shut as she will likely remain in a twilight state for the remainder of the week. Periods of sleep and cloudiness are juxtaposed with moments of greater clarity and cognitive functioning, but she is resting peacefully tonight and with a day of love and laughter under her belt during this treatment.

So, was it all good? Well, not quite. In fact, I seemed to draw the short stick when the Intensive Care Unit’s administrative staff wouldn’t let me in…crazy right?

Hospital policies these days…I’m too cute I guess? So while I played witness to Francie’s smiles and courageous attitude for part of today, I will need to delegate the updates to Mark for the remainder of the week. Please keep my mommy in your thoughts and prayers, as well as all those who suffer from chronic illness.

Lastly, we have raised $4,400 of the total goal of $10,000 for our ALS research fundraiser, “High-Five for Heiman-Patterson!” Please consider showing your support for this tremendous cause by learning more using this link:  https://www.razoo.com/us/story/Ext4hg. As Francie’s sister Maggie says, “there is no donation too large or too small.”

Thank you for your continued support through the thoughts, prayers, hopefulness, and joy that you spread.

Licks of love,

Paddy