Update: Storm survivor Gemma back in hospital

Gemma went through absolute horrors during Hurricane Katrina and now she is back in the hospital. I'm sorry to say my ability to communicate by Internet has been slow since the weekend. I started getting calls from Gemma and her family very late Sunday night. She sounded absolutely at the end of her rope and crying between gasping for breath. Her husband and sister were also very concerned and frustrated that she was not getting any better. I called Dr. Hausmann and LeBlanc's office manager at home and asked for help. They saw her in the office Monday afternoon and she was admitted later in the day at Our Lady of The Lake Hospital. I really hoped, like her family, that she could go to a facility that specialized in bariatric surgery, but because of her pulmonary problems, the doctor felt it best that she go back into the Lake. I've gotten lots of replies from OH members sending clothes, protein products and donations. If any checks come to my home, I plan to buy everyday food items and supplies. Her husband had to return to work and her son is shipping back out to the military this week. I want to return to Baton Rouge and make myself available to her while she's at the hospital and when she goes home. I plan to enlist the help of two nearby OH members. (Note Kat: I'm trying to reach you when you get back home). I have made note of about 10 OH evacuees and storm victims that need help, but none of them are as seriously ill as Gemma. Gemma needs "people and hands" right now as well as medical care and supplies. Gemma's support page: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/status.php?N=R1046674249 Thank you all for your support and prayers. PS, as a new storm approaches South Texas/Louisiana, I'm making plans to haul away from Lake Charles which is very South Louisiana, 30 minutes from the Texas border. Just call me a writing Gypsy! Onward! Frances

Frances, Gemma is in the best place now. She will have doctors that really do care for her. Email me with your address and I will mail you a check for her care. Also I know of a place close to you that has supplies and truckloads of clothes (really nice clothes) that you may be able to use. With your family coming in to escape Rita, and all you are doing for others, I know that you can use all of the help that you can get. God Bless you and all that you do for everyone. Dee

Hi Frances, First I would like to say how sorry I am to hear about Gemma. She has already been through so much, but she sounds like a tough lady! I will continue to keep she and her family in my thoughts and prayers. I watched on the News that Lake Charles wa**** really hard. I will keep you and your family in prayer also. I pray you, your family and home are safe. God Bless, Dee