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Devon’s New Departure, York, PA (2026)

10/14/2026

🌟week 14 update🌟

This week, I attended an ECMO survivors dinner hosted by WellSpan, where I got to see some of the people who helped save my life.

As I sat there listening to the nurses, doctors, therapists, and others who cared for me, I was reminded of just how sick I really was. They told me I was the sickest patient they had ever seen survive. They talked about all the medications I was on and how hard my body fought to stay alive.

The crazy part? I don’t remember some of these people. I don’t remember ECMO. I have no memories of so much of what happened to me. All I have are the scars and the stories told by others.

And the nightmares.

My mind was somehow picking up pieces of what was happening around me, but I couldn’t make sense of it all. Those pieces became dreams that still replay so vividly in my head.

I saw my dad, who had already passed away, and begged him to send me back to my kids.

I dreamt I woke up in a hospital in Chicago and was told I had flowers from my friends Brooke and Kayla. When I finally came out of my coma, I really did have flowers from them.

I dreamt I was kidnapped and that my best friend’s dad came to save me. I also dreamt I bled to death. Sometimes I wonder if that was when they started ECMO. I’ll never know.

I even had an out-of-body experience. I was standing in the corner of my hospital room, looking down at all my loved ones gathered around me.

But the scariest dream of all was the body bag.

I dreamed I was being sewn into one. I remember taking what felt like my last breath and hearing an alarm go off. Whether that alarm was real or not, I’ll never know. But in that moment, something told me to keep fighting. I took another breath and fought my way out of that bag.

I wanted to fight. I wanted to live. I wanted to get back to my babies.

These nightmares still replay in my mind, and this isn’t even all of them. I carry these memories every day, even though they aren’t memories in the traditional sense. They’re pieces of a fight I don’t remember fighting, but somehow survived.

And yet, every day, I get up and keep going. I do everything I am physically and mentally capable of. I push myself, find new ways to do things, and keep gaining independence. I do more than some people probably realize is possible from a wheelchair.

When I woke up from my coma, I knew I was missing my left leg because I had dreamt about them removing it multiple times. What I didn’t know was that I would eventually lose my right leg and my fingers, too. I also didn’t realize how sick I still was. I was on dialysis and still actively fighting for my life.

Looking back, I never thought I would get better. I thought my life would be so much harder than I could ever handle. And while life is hard, it isn’t nearly as bad as I once imagined. I’ve learned to do things differently, to adapt, and to find independence in ways I never thought possible.

I’ve come so far in the last year. I know there are people who might think I’m not doing enough, but they aren’t living my life. They aren’t fighting my battles. I know how far I’ve come, and I know how hard I’m fighting every single day. That is enough.

On Monday, I head back to Philly to meet with my team. I’m praying I’ll finally be cleared to start weight-bearing on my right leg and that we can make plans to extend my left.

I survived something that even the people treating me didn’t think many people could survive. I fought my way back to my kids, and I’m still fighting for the life I want.

I may not remember every moment that almost took me away from this world, but I’m here. I’m still here. And I’m not done yet.

Once I get these legs, I truly believe I’ll be unstoppable. ❤️

10/07/2026

🌟Week 13 Update 🌟

I’m officially 13 weeks post-op from my original surgery and one week post-op from my rod extension surgery. And honestly, I’m doing really well.

The rod extension was an outpatient procedure, and I went back to work Monday. Somehow, I’ve managed to keep a completely full schedule all week without any major issues. Today is finally my first day with absolutely nothing on the calendar, and I have no plans to leave my bed until the kids come home.

My right leg had been healing really well until yesterday. I worked a longer shift and didn’t have my leg properly supported, and unfortunately, I’m paying for it today. But the good thing is that I know what caused it, and I know now that I need to make sure I’m supporting it properly to avoid that pain moving forward.

I see my team in two weeks, and I’m praying that I get the all clear to start weight bearing on my right leg. My left leg is unfortunately still retracting back underneath the skin, so I’m hoping that at my next appointment, my surgeon will see what’s happening and we can make a plan for another rod extension.

This past week has also been a BIG one for our family. We celebrated our oldest turning 10, and in typical Devon fashion, I had to do it big. We took the boys and eight extra kids to Topgolf, with the help of my in-laws, siblings, and cousins, and then had a party back at our house.

Before I got sick, I was a wedding and event planner, so planning this party brought up a lot of emotions. It was harder this time because I couldn’t do everything myself like I used to. But with the help of my husband, family, and amazing friends, we pulled it off for our boy.

And honestly, getting to do that meant more to me than I can explain. For a little while, I got to feel like me again. I got to do something I love for someone I love.

Physically, mentally, and spiritually, I’m in a really good place right now. I know there are still hurdles ahead, and I know this journey isn’t over, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finding pieces of myself again.

And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

09/29/2026

🌟Week 12 Update🌟

I arrived for surgery at 8:30 this morning. I was prepped and in the OR by 9:45, and a few minutes later, I was asleep. Thankfully, the surgery went well and wasn’t super long.

I’m currently home and, honestly, I’m not in much pain at all. The only real pain I have right now is a sore throat from being intubated. Even more amazing, the pain I was having from my right leg not being properly supported is already feeling SO much better. I’m sure tomorrow may bring a little more pain as everything settles, but as of right now, I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a long time. I haven’t even needed to take anything for pain since coming out of anesthesia.

My surgeon reassured me that once I’m fully healed from this procedure, it should take away the pain I’ve been dealing with. That gives me so much hope. ❤️

I may not be in much pain right now, but I can tell you one thing… I AM EXHAUSTED. & I am a little bit taller now. 😂😂

I’m also incredibly thankful for my support system. The friends and family who checked on me today, prayed for me, sent dinner, offered to help with the kids this week, offered to come clean, and have supported me through every step of this journey, I truly don’t know where I would be without you.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. I’m so incredibly blessed to have so many people in my corner. ❤️

And then there’s this little piece of irony…

Exactly 10 years ago today, I was admitted to York Hospital to have my very first baby. Tomorrow, Chase turns 10.

God knew exactly how much I would need that boy. He has saved my life more than once, and I truly believe God put him in my life for a reason. He will always be one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me.

Happy almost 10th birthday, Chase. 💙💚

09/28/2026

Before getting sick last year, I had only ever had two surgeries. I had my wisdom teeth removed after high school and an emergency C-section with our youngest.

Tomorrow, I’ll be having my 11th surgery in the last 17 months.

Eleven surgeries. Eleven times my body has had to heal. And honestly, that number feels completely unreal when I say it out loud.

I never imagined that my life would become hospitals, procedures, pain, healing, setbacks, and learning to trust doctors and my body in ways I never had to before.

There have been so many moments when I’ve wondered how much more my body could take. I’ve been scared, frustrated, exhausted, and more than ready for this chapter to be over.

But through all of it, my faith has reminded me that I’m not doing this alone. God has carried me through every surgery, every setback, and every moment I didn’t know how I was going to keep going. I trust that He’ll carry me through this one too.

Tomorrow is another procedure, another little nap under anesthesia, and hopefully another step toward less pain, more healing, and eventually walking again.

I’m tired. I’m nervous. But I’m still here. I’m still fighting. And I still believe there is a reason God brought me this far. ❤️

09/23/2026

🌟 Week 11 Update 🌟

One week from today, I’ll be having another procedure to lengthen my rods, and I’m really hoping it will finally take away the constant pain I’ve been dealing with.

My current abutment is too short, so my leg is essentially trying to swallow the metal. It’s causing a lot of pain and is also making it impossible to add my connectors. They’ll give me a little nap, and when I wake up, I’ll have longer rods.
Once everything heals, I should be one step closer to getting my connectors. The good news is that I’m not starting over. This is just making an adjustment to get me where I need to be.

Since Saturday, we’ve been enjoying a few days at the beach, and I have to give a huge shoutout to Rehoboth Beach for making the beach accessible to wheelchair users. I got to sit on the beach for the first time in over TWO YEARS!

When you’re not disabled, or you don’t spend a lot of time with someone who is, you probably don’t realize just how many places aren’t accessible. It’s something I never thought much about before, but now I notice it everywhere. I’m so incredibly appreciative of the places and the people who make the effort to make sure everyone can be included.

It has been so nice to be somewhere other than home or a hospital. We’ve spent time on the beach and boardwalk, played games, went to a trampoline park, shopped, and eaten way too much great food.

It’s been a busy few days, but genuinely, it has been SO enjoyable. I’m just really happy and grateful that I was able to spend this time with my three boys, my mom, and my sisters.

And of course, the boys are extra happy that they got a few bonus days off from school.

09/17/2026

Appointment Update:

My appointment yesterday was really just to have my surgeon take a look at my legs and make sure there were no signs of infection. Thankfully, everything looked good.

That being said, I’ll be heading back to the hospital on the 29th for another procedure. I’ll get to take a little nap while they go into the center of my rod and unscrew my current abutment. They’ll then attach a longer one and clean up some of the debris caused by the irritation.

The good news is that this is an outpatient procedure, so I’ll be home the same day!

Lengthening my rods should help with the friction I’ve been experiencing and, hopefully, help relieve some of the pain. I’ll have to make a few adjustments to my transfers here and there to make sure I’m not putting direct pressure on the rods, but thankfully, this is NOT starting over. I won’t have to go through the entire healing process again.

This procedure should actually help move things in the right direction with both the healing and the pain.

So, while it’s another bump in the road, I’m trying to look at it as progress. One more step toward healing… and one step closer to getting my legs. Literally.

09/16/2026

🌟 week 10 update 🌟

I’m headed to Philly tomorrow afternoon to get my rods lengthened. I still have no idea exactly what that entails, but I’ll hopefully have a better idea tomorrow and will post an update afterward.

Other than that, not much has changed. I’m still dealing with pain and still trying to convince myself to be patient with the healing process. Patience has never been my strong suit, and this definitely isn’t making it any easier.

Our youngest started school this week, which means both of the boys are now in school all day. I took the entire day off Monday just to have a day to myself. I felt incredibly guilty for doing it, but honestly, the last couple of weeks have been exhausting, and I really needed it. Sometimes I have to remind myself that taking care of myself isn’t something I should feel guilty about.

Jack is adjusting well. He told me today that he’s “not bad at school, only at home.” 🙃 He really is something else. But he thrives on structure, so I think we were both very ready for school to start again.

Now I just have to figure out how to get two kids and myself ready and out the door on time by myself. It definitely takes more time and planning than it used to. But I’m so thankful that my boys are usually such good helpers. They may not always realize it, but they make this new version of our everyday life a little easier.

One day at a time. ❤️

09/09/2026

🌟 Week 9 Update 🌟

This week has been hard…physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m dealing with increased pain in my legs, the never ending battle with insurance, and the reality of navigating everyday life as a double amputee. Some days, it all just feels like a lot.

I haven’t made much progress with insurance. Honestly, talking to an actual human being these days feels nearly impossible. Not only am I fighting with them to cover my prosthetic legs, but now I’m also fighting with them over a wheelchair.

I have a really nice power chair, but it’s HUGE. It weighs around 400 pounds, and the only way to transport it is on the back of my husband’s truck. I also have a cheap manual chair that I use when I’m out with my mom or anyone other than Chris. What I’m trying to get is something in between, a chair that’s smaller and easier to transport, but still gives me the power and independence I need.

Of course, insurance only covers one wheelchair every five years.

I received my current power chair last year, and insurance refused to cover it, leaving me with a $55,000 bill. Fifty-five thousand dollars. That’s more than a damn car! And now I’m fighting them all over again to get a chair that actually fits my needs.

I just don’t understand why something that gives me independence and mobility has to be such a fight. These aren’t luxuries. They are the things that allow me to live my life.

And then there’s my legs.

The skin on my legs is unfortunately adhering to different sections of the rods in each leg. Because of that, I’m headed back to Philadelphia next week to have a procedure to lengthen my rods. At this point, I honestly have no idea what to expect, but I’ve been told it’s a short and relatively easy procedure that won’t require any skin incisions. So I’m trying to focus on that and trust the process.

I’m trying so hard to be patient with all of this healing. But if I’m being honest, patience is so much easier said than done.

I’m ready to move forward. I’m ready for my body to heal. I’m ready for insurance to stop fighting me. And I’m ready to start getting back to living instead of constantly having to fight for the things I need just to do it.

So if you’ve been praying for me, please keep praying. Pray that my legs continue to heal, that this next procedure goes smoothly, and that somehow, some way, the insurance battles get a little easier.

09/03/2026

Have I ever told you how much I hate insurance?

I fought with insurance for weeks to get approval for my osseointegration surgery, the surgery that would put titanium rods into my legs so that, eventually, I could walk.

I had to jump through hoops, file appeal after appeal, get news outlets involved, and even reach out to my Senator just to get the surgery approved.

Well… apparently, we’re doing this all over again.

I honestly don’t even have the words to describe how frustrating and heartbreaking this is. I thought once the surgery was approved, maybe I could finally breathe. But no.

Now I get a letter in the mail telling me that insurance has denied the actual prosthetic legs. I’m sorry… WHAT?

You approved the surgery that put titanium rods into my body specifically so I could use bone anchored prosthetic legs, but now you’re telling me you won’t approve the legs I need to actually walk? How does that make any sense?

And this is the part that makes me so angry: these aren’t just “prosthetic legs” to me.

They are my ability to stand. They are my ability to take steps. They are my independence. They are my chance to do things I haven’t been able to do in a year and a half. They are a part of the life I am fighting so hard to get back.

This isn’t some luxury item I’m asking for. I’m not asking for something just because I want it. I’m asking for the equipment I need to make the surgery I fought so hard for actually work. And I’m exhausted.

I’m exhausted from constantly having to prove that I deserve a chance to walk. I’m exhausted from fighting with people who make decisions about my body and my future from behind a desk. I’m exhausted from having to appeal and appeal and appeal just to get access to something that could completely change my life.

At some point, you have to wonder… what exactly am I paying insurance for?

Thankfully, I have people in my corner who are willing to help me fight this battle again. I am incredibly grateful for that, and I know I’m not going to stop fighting.

But I keep thinking about the people who don't have that support. The people who don't know who to call. The people who don't have the time or energy to fight every denial. The people who don't have someone willing to advocate for them. What happens to them? Are they just supposed to give up?

I refuse to believe that someone should have to be their own full-time advocate just to get the medical equipment they need to live their life.

I fought so hard to get to this point. I fought for my life. I fought for my surgery. I fought for my future. And I will fight for my legs, too. But I shouldn't have to. No one should.

09/03/2026

It’s crazy to think that a physical place can hold trauma.

Today was our youngest’s first soccer practice of the season. Not his first practice ever… that happened last April. And somehow, that makes today feel so much bigger than just the first practice of a new season.

Jack’s soccer practice last year was the last thing I did before I got sick. Other than our home, this was the last place I walked. The last place I had two legs. The last place the four of us made a normal family memory together before our entire world changed.

We were at Jack’s practice, where, of course, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with soccer. For 45 minutes, we chased him back onto the field and dealt with meltdown after meltdown. After practice, we picked up dinner and went home.

Halfway through eating, I told Chris I wasn’t feeling well and went to lay down. Little did I know that what I thought were flu like symptoms were actually sepsis setting in. Less than 48 hours after that soccer practice, I was fighting for my life.

So being back there today brought up a lot of emotions. It was impossible not to think about how much has changed since the last time I was there.

But more than anything, I’m grateful.
I’m grateful I got to be there today. Grateful I got to watch my boy run onto that field. Grateful that even though life looks completely different now, I’m still here. I’m still their mom. And I still get to show up for my boys.

Last year, I left that field with no idea that my life was about to change forever.

Today, I let it reminded of just how far I’ve come. 💕

Devon’s New Departure

10/14/2026

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09/17/2026

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09/03/2026

09/03/2026

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