A recent hiking trip to Utah has taken a devastating turn for one Wisconsin family. Chris Kamke, a mother and recent breast cancer survivor, is currently in a coma, paralysed, and reliant on a ventilator following a severe medical emergency during their outing at Zion National Park.
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Chris and her family, including her husband Kendall and their son Kyle, were celebrating the news of her remission from breast cancer when they set out for an adventure in Zion. After a successful first day of hiking, which included a trek through the stunning Narrows, the family ventured to Bryce Canyon for their next destination. However, what began as an exhilarating trip soon descended into a nightmare.
On September 20, after completing the hike through Bryce Canyon, Chris began to experience intense pain in her legs, thighs, and hips. This sudden onset of symptoms left her unable to sit or lie down long enough for the family to drive her to a medical facility. As a result, Chris was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Panguitch, Utah, where her condition quickly deteriorated.
Shortly after her admission, Chris developed breathing difficulties. A CT scan revealed that she had fluid in her lungs, leading to a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Unfortunately, the situation escalated further, as doctors suspected that while Chris’s body was battling the pneumonia, her immune system began attacking her spinal cord, resulting in severe inflammation that spread to her brainstem.
Chris was ultimately diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, a rare autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation of the central nervous system, affecting both the spinal cord and the eyes. As a consequence of this rapid decline in her health, she has remained in a coma and is now completely paralysed.
The Kamke family, now facing the emotional and financial strain of Chris’s condition, is struggling to find a way to transport her back to their home in Wisconsin. The family estimates that airlifting Chris back home could cost upwards of £50,000, a sum they fear their health insurance will not cover.
In an effort to raise funds, the Kamke family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs associated with her transport back to Wisconsin. As of October 8, the campaign has successfully raised over £35,000, but they still face a significant financial hurdle in bringing Chris back home.
To aid in this difficult transition, the family is collaborating with a non-profit organisation named Grace on Wings, which provides transport for patients requiring medical attention. They are hoping to arrange a flight that will include volunteer medical staff to assist Chris during the journey, utilising funds raised from the GoFundMe campaign to support the operation’s fuel costs.
As they navigate this challenging chapter in their lives, Chris’s family remains hopeful that she will regain her health and eventually return home to Wisconsin. The outpouring of support from their community has been a source of strength for them, highlighting the importance of family and friends in times of crisis.
Chris Kamke’s story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and the unforeseen challenges that can arise, even during what is meant to be a celebratory time. The family continues to rally together, focused on doing whatever it takes to bring Chris back to the comfort of her loved ones.