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Wednesday February 21, 2007
Dear Friend In Racing:
First of all, THANK YOU all for the tremendous outpouring of support via emails, forum postings & calls the past couple days for my sister, Brianne and the entire family. A friend of Dad's printed out posts from a number of message boards and took to the hospital and Dad & Mom were just overwhelmed by all the kind words of support. They were very emotional reading through them.
The procedure on Monday did not go well and had to be stopped midway through when the heart would not work on its own. They had one last chance to keep her alive and at noon on Tuesday they tried again and through the mercy of the Lord, the expertise of the surgeons and medical staff and the support & prayers of all of you, they were able to successfully remove the heart machine and Brianne's heart was able to function on it's own!
There are no guarantees but it was a giant step forward for her. At least she is alive one more day.
There are still issues: Brianne's lungs will not function at this time and they had to keep her on life support and insert a special ventilator to keep oxygen pumping into her. The surgeon said she will remain unconscious and on life support and the ventilator for possibly up to 20 days.
Brianne's chest is still laid completely open! They have to leave her chest open (protected with a thin, transparent covering from the heart surgery on Saturday) until they get the lungs to function. Her chest has been laid open since Saturday. And yes, even covered with sheets it is a horrible sight.
When I left just before midnight on Tuesday her vital signs have been fluctuating since late afternoon so there is some concern there.
She has a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome (kidneys) but when the deadline came that meant life or death Brianne came through! She is alive today and that's all we can ask for.
Dad asked me to once again ask a special favor from everyone and please offer your prayers and positive energy to Brianne Tuttle at this time. Dad also asked that you include her mother, Carol, husband Dan, who is a racer, and sons Hunter & Beau in your prayers. My brother Brandon could also use some positive energy.
He also wanted to advise everyone to asap look them in the eye and hug and kiss your kids, grandkids, nieces & nephews and tell them you love them unconditionally.
Please also keep my Dad, Doc Lehman, and Mom, Carol Lehman in your thoughts. In the past six days they have been home once for 7 hours and are running on half hour catnaps here and there in their waiting room. They refused to come home again tonight (Tuesday). They are in rough shape from stress, worry, emotions & concern about Brianne, plus no sleep and he'll kick my butt for saying that when he reads this.
You have no idea how appreciative our family is for the thoughts, prayers and positive energy that you have graciously directed to Brianne. We are eternally grateful.
If anyone is so inclined cards or notes can reach Brianne at:
Brianne Tuttle
%Lehman Motorsports
P.O. Box 341
Smithville, OH 44677
I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, support & well wishes.
God bless you all and God bless Brianne….
Jarrod Lehman
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