Quilt #5 Angie Barrett

Angie Barrett on left with Lori Bunnell on right.

Quilt creator Mary Duke

Quilt Embroidery Detail

Quilt #5 was presented by Lori Bunnell to Angie Barrett on July 13, 2016. This is where my project takes a most loving turn.  I have invited close friends and family to participate with me in creating quilts and identifying recipients.  Quilt #5 was created by Mary Duke (whose mother Shirley Sawyer received Quilt #4) and given to Angie Barrett by my dear friend and Utah next door neighbor, Lori Bunnell.  My role in this gift is simply as an intermediary. I sent this note along with the quilt to tell her about Duncan (I wish I could be there every time a quilt is given). What moves me so powerfully is how connected we all are.
Both Mary and Lori have comforted me and participated in bringing comfort to Angie, all because of Duncan. For me, this is what the Savior means when he asks us to bear each other's burdens.  This is what is possible when we choose to serve others in the midst of our own difficulties. We are all touched by love.

  

The recipient of this quilt, Angie Barrett, is an amazing young woman and Lori Bunnell's niece. The mother of four boys, she has gone through a medical trial lasting over 4.5 years (to date) and recently had her leg amputated as a result.  Below is her story from a crowd funding site set up by her family. They tell her story more eloquently that I could hope to.
Lori shared with me that Angie was overwhelmed by the love and happy to be a part of this awesome project. Lori thanked me for letting her be a part a well. I feel surrounded by such loving women and so grateful.

The Story

Those of us who know Angie, know that she has always been an AMAZING person who radiates happiness where ever she goes. She is a devoted wife, awesome mother, and a friend to everyone! She always strives to be positive, even when faced with adversity. On June 23, 2016 Angie will have to have her leg amputated. This is her story...

On January 7, 2012, Angie broke her leg and blew her knee out in a terrible skiing accident.

Her doctor at the time had her wear a leg brace for six months which didn’t fix the problem. He then did a series of three surgeries. The first surgery was her ACL, second was her MCL, and third was a total knee replacement. After almost two years of continual pain and problems, a second manipulation (breaking up scar tissue) was performed. Unfortunately during this process her femur was broken. At this point Angie changed doctors.

The new doctor was baffled at how all of this had happened. He immobilized her leg explaining that in order to fix her knee it would take at least one year of allowing the bones to heal and get strong enough to redo her total knee. Patiently she waited through the year of 2014. Over two years of dealing with what should have been a fairly simple fix, her leg had turned into a nightmare.

In 2015 Angie’s new doctor referred her to a doctor who specializes in her situation. This doctor quickly discovered her knee was badly infected. This explained all of the problems.

To make a 4 ½ year long story short…. Angie has had 13 surgeries on her leg so far. Many of which have been extremely painful and include having her femur and tibia reamed ( drilled out and packed with antibiotics). She has been on five IV’s a day and is ill from so much medication. In-home health care has done weekly blood tests to monitor her infection levels and sed-rate.

We believe Angie’s medical team has worked very hard and vigorously to try and save her leg and she is very grateful for their efforts. We are sad to report that Angie is scheduled for an amputation above the knee the end of June 2016.

Angie continues to endure this trial with courage and grace. Her positive attitude continues to inspire many. Please join us in supporting her with prayers, messages of encouragement, and if you feel inclined a monetary donation to help with her many medical bills.

Angie says..." Smile, even if life isn't as you planned it!" What a great example she is of patience and strength. Thank you to all who have and continue to show love and concern. Many acts of service have been shown to her and to her family. Angie refers to these wonderful people as her “Angels on Earth”.

We love you Ang! You've got this!

Here is the funding link:  https://www.youcaring.com/angie-barnett-458488#.V4E31mJuqgU.facebook