Update/Prayer Request for Kellie Hagen

Good morning. As many of you already know, I have a friend who is very sick right now. And, as you already know, when someone you love is hurting, you hurt too. My friend, Kellie, is hurting right now. Over the past several months, and even recently, people continue to ask me what they can do to help me. Again and again I have responded, "I don't need anything, but thank you for caring enough to ask." I know that a lot of people, family members, and friends read this blog. Today is the day that I need you to do something for me.........I need you to stop what you are doing and pray for my friend, Kellie.......

I have just come from seeing her at the hospital. I have been almost every day since finding out that she was there. Today was the first time that I was able to talk to her. Usually when I get an update, I have several people that I notify so that everyone can stay as informed as possible. I am unable to call anybody at this time. I can't even reflect on my visit with Kellie without crying, and I don't think I could talk about it on the phone.

To give you a little background, Kellie went into respiratory distress over two weeks ago, and she is now on a ventilator. Doctors still do not know what caused this to happen, therefore they are unable to do anything except to keep running tests and treat her symptoms. However, Kellie is oriented and knows what is going on. She is extremely weak, though, and it is hard for her to stay awake very long or hold her eyes open.

When I arrived at Kellie's room this morning, she had two nurses in with her, and her daddy asked me to wait in the waiting room. After about ten minutes, he came out and gave me an update. He said that she had rested well last night and was having a good day today. He reported that her coloring was better, the rash on her neck (of unknown origin) was better, her grip was stronger, and that she was showing more strength in her legs as well. The only thing that was bothering her was that they were having some trouble suctioning her. While he was in the waiting room talking to me, they were changing out her trach. I told him I would wait awhile and let them get her settled again. After waiting about an hour, I was told I could go back and see her.

Her daddy had just finished giving her a foot rub, and when I rubbed her foot, she moved her hand closer to the side of the bed, and I squeezed it. She turned her head towards me, and I said, "Good morning, my friend." She smiled ever so slightly. I told her that her daddy had informed me that she was having a good morning, and I asked her if there was anything that I could do for her. She let go of my hand, and slowly brought her hands together over her chest as if she was praying. I said, "Every day." I also told her that it was Thursday, and that tomorrow at noon, all of her friends were going to lift her up in prayer together. Her daddy had asked me to keep my visit brief, so I leaned in close to her. Kellie has always been a pillar of support to me even if we never get to see each other, and I wanted her to know I was going to do the same. I said, "Kellie,......when you get home......." When she heard those words, she gave my hand another little squeeze and looked up at me. "...I'm going to be there." She slowly opened her eyes, and we looked at each other with the closeness that good friends share. She nodded, as if saying, "I know you will", and a tear ran down her cheek. I wiped it away, told her I loved her, and left the room.

As you can imagine, it was heartwrenching to see my friend in that condition. And to know that there is nothing I can physically do to help her is even more painful. All I can do is pray and ask you to pray. As far as my condition, I am fine. I had my sixth of thirty radiation treatments this morning before going to the hospital. I do not need anything at this time. Instead of praying for me right now, please pray for Kellie instead. This is the biggest thing you can do to help me right now.

Thank you so very much

Cindy