For Lisa...
Alyssa was brought to Maine Mercy Hospital on April 12th, 2020 by her husband Fred. She had been experiencing increased levels of shallow breathing over the last few weeks. Although they had been careful in protecting each other through social distancing, Alyssa felt the need to go to the hospital that Sunday morning, uncertain as to the cause of her discomfort.
They shared a last drive together from their home in Old Orchard Beach to the city of Portland, before walking to the hospital entrance hand in hand. Wearing their masks, they shared a sense of assurance that everything would be ok. As the medical staff explained that she had to go in alone, Fred stayed outside as they escorted her into the ER.
For a number of days, she remained at Mercy. Upon her initial arrival, she was tested for Covid-19, which produced a negative result, bringing great relief to the family. At this time though, further tests revealed Alyssa would need a second heart surgery procedure to replace a valve put in 8 years previously. She stayed in touch with family and friends daily, through text and phone calls up until her day of surgery.
About a week after arriving at Mercy's ER, she was transferred to Maine Medical Center. Here she would remain for her scheduled heart surgery to take place the morning of April 21st. Once again, she would be tested for Covid-19. Not once, but twice. In both cases her results were negative. On the morning of April 21st, Alyssa went in for her heart surgery. The estimated time for the procedure had been reported as 4-5 hours. She remained in surgery for 7 hours that day, following complications with scar tissue. She would never clearly regain consciousness again.
In total, she spent 34 days separated from her family during her ordeal. For 25 of those days, she remained in a semi to unconscious state while her body attempted to recover. There were moments she smiled and acknowledged some ability in responding to prompts, such as yes or no questions. On video, she was able to smile twice for Sarah and Fred. On Mother's Day, after failing to respond to all Neurological prompts during a morning session, she gave a huge smile when her Doctor said "Happy Mother's Day, Alyssa."
On the 34th day, my Mother's body could no longer take the strain, could no longer continue to win the fight. For all her effort, for everything she went through with the aid of her Nurses and Doctors and as many phone calls as possible from my father & I, her fight ended. Losing her, losing my Mom, this wasn't a reality of life I'd ever accepted would transpire in life. The denial in acknowledging this outcome has prevented me from accepting that she's gone. To write it out, to say it out-loud has felt as if I am "giving up on her'' and closing the gate to any hope in having her return. Saying goodbye to my Mother has been a fear of mine, for a majority of my life. But, I'd truly believed without a doubt she would be here with us, and I would be caring for her as she continued to recover.
To add onto the weight of our grief in losing her, there came a price beyond that of her absence in our lives. A dollar amount attached to it all, without her making it to the finish line. To put a label of cost on what she went through went beyond my ability to see reasoning. An added jab of what seems trivial when knowing her true worth is beyond a calculated number. Love, irreplaceable and uncomparable.
Before my mother went through all of this, she had pursued medical aid coverage years previous. She did so for the 3 of us when we moved to Maine, organizing all the paperwork and forms necessary so that she, Dad and I could have healthcare. And through the years, she had to adapt by changing or adjusting paperwork. She always did it, always making sure she and Dad would have the best chance possible in their positions when it came to medical financing.
With her research and determination in ensuring she had aid over the years, Alyssa's medical bill for her 34+ days in Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center saw a majority covered, easing the financial strain to a degree. Her family has started making payments towards a bill of $20,000 instead of the original $1,000,000 total.
If you would like to donate in some way, we would be incredibly grateful for any amount of help as we begin addressing her medical bills.
To all of you, who cheered Alyssa on and supported her daughter Sarah and husband Fred throughout their struggles in grieving, no words will ever be enough in conveying their heartfelt gratitude. Alyssa was and is to this day a beautiful glimpse of shining good in this world, your kindness and patience as they have attempted to grasp onto the reality of a world without her is truly appreciated.
Best of health to you and your loved ones.
