On March 23, 2005, Janice was diagnosed with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). No one in her family had ever heard of it; not her 84 year old parents, not her sister, Carolyn, nor her children, grandchildren, or other family or friends. So it came as a shock to them when they found out that over 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with ARDS each year and half of those patients will die.
Janice fought for five long weeks and had excellent care. But with ARDS, sometimes even the best care does not matter. ARDS is cruel; ARDS is relentless. It has easily earned its reputation as a roller coaster, as each day may bring another dilemma or crisis. Sadly, on April 27, 2005, Janice, who just turned sixty last December, lost her fight.
During those long weeks, Janice’s loved ones searched for information about ARDS. In researching ARDS, they discovered how many other families face what they did. They decided that they wanted to help the fight against ARDS however they could.
The family is dedicated to helping raise public awareness and also want to bring folks together who have experienced the ARDS roller coaster. They have formed a support group in Southeast Louisiana. For more information about this support group, click here.
