Gregg lived independently, enjoying an active lifestyle that included hunting, fishing, and working around his house. Life was fulfilling, and he relished his freedom. However, everything changed when Gregg was admitted to the hospital with respiratory failure secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His condition was so severe that he needed to be placed on a ventilator to breathe.
Over several months, Vicki Hoover faced multiple medical challenges – the kind that can really leave a person feeling uncertain and even defeated.
But not Vicki.
Battling for her life was the furthest thing from Jill Anderson’s mind. Jill lived at home with her husband and three young boys. She worked full-time, cared for her family, and enjoyed camping, fishing, and attending rodeos. Life was good and fulfilling. When Jill began feeling ill one day, everything changed.
Mary Reynolds described her life prior to admission as “semi-retired.” Mary lived at home with her husband and enjoyed spending her free time knitting, walking, and housekeeping while working once per week. Then, one day, Mary began experiencing significant weakness and trouble breathing. After going to the hospital, she was admitted and diagnosed with sepsis due to an influenza A infection.
Experiencing shortness of breath one day, Jan admitted to Essentia Health-Fargo, where she was diagnosed with respiratory failure complicated by pneumonia and bilateral deep vein thrombosis. As a result, Jan was placed on a ventilator.
Vacationing in North Dakota, Albina suddenly found herself very sick. She experienced double vision, difficulty swallowing and speaking, shortness of breath, and weakness in her arms and legs. Albina sought medical attention, and tests revealed something entirely unexpected.
Before his stroke, Troy Hall lived a very active life. He enjoyed playing softball, fishing, and going to the gym. In addition, he worked as a drywall finisher. After the stroke, Troy experienced acute respiratory failure and required a ventilator to breathe.
After testing positive for the virus, Mavis spent three months in the hospital, battling respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Then she transferred to Vibra Hospital of Fargo to begin her recovery.
Dorothy Walton, 59, is a home health nurse. In early December, she contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to a local hospital. Unfortunately, Dorothy’s condition deteriorated, and she was intubated and ventilated due to respiratory distress.
Diagnosed with lung cancer, Ken Wienckowski underwent a right lower lobectomy. The operation left him with complications requiring extended care.
