On Thursday morning our 17 year old niece Danika Tibayan had an asthma attack that escalated to her passing out and flatlining twice.
She apparently was without oxygen for 30 minutes, she collapsed at home without a heart beat, and her mother (my sister-in-law) began CPR as medics arrived. Medics took over administering CPR and resuscitated her. They tried to get oxygen to her brain but because of her lungs collapsing it was impossible. Once in the ER she flat lined again and they resuscitated her for the second time.
They performed a cryotherapy technique called:
Therapeutic hypothermia: This type of therapy is used for an unconscious patient who has
spontaneous circulation after suffering an out of hospital heart attack. In the hospital, the
patient is cooled to 32°C to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours in hopes to minimize damage to brain
tissue and improve functional recovery. ( Healthline)
She is currently off the therapeutic machine and she is sustaining her normal body temperature. Now, we are just waiting for the seizures to stop (with meds) so they can slowly take her out of the induced coma.
We are constantly in prayer over this girl. We love her so much! This is my letter to her...
Danky,
I know you like all the attention but this is a too much! :) We love you so much and are eager to hear more good news of your prognosis. The kids are asking for you and Rock was gonna cry because he wanted to know if you were ok. We miss you Danky and we want you to just wake up, laugh with us and be silly with us like you always are. The nurse put your hair up in a bun the other day and I was reminded of how you always put your hair up at your house when the family is hanging out, AND it reminds me of your funky dance you do when you get excited.
So I'm thinking of the things I want to buy you when you wake up---Is this why you did this, so we can all pamper you?! Oooh...you're funky Danky :D I definitely have to buy you some yummy cupcakes from Sprinkles, your fav!
Key and Story have been pretending to be cheerleaders-- is this your doing? After seeing your sweet friends, how much they love you, and the support they've been to you, I wouldn't mind Key-Key and Storky being little cheerleaders.
Danky, your Tito and I love you and thank God for your life and how you love the family. I read the essay you wrote to USC and it was encouraging. Yes, rebellion can be silly and immature and I'm so thankful you realized it and want to continue to grow in maturity. Please know your Tito and I are always here for you and want what's best for you in Christ Jesus. We want to be faithful to the Lord and be arrows that point to Christ, not to us, and because of that, maybe we can seem like we aren't on your side, but we are, and I know you know it :)
You are a strong little one! Your body is taking a pounding and you just refuse to fold and throw in your cards! You're a fighter and I'm so thankful for your endurance. Your parents are so strong and I see where you get it from! They love you so much...Your dad keeps telling us stories of you and your mom has not left your side! They are both relying heavily on the Lord and just in constant prayer. They are so encouraging.
Wake up soon--take your time though, do it slowly but keep resting physically and spiritually on the Lord. He is right there with you, never leaving your side.
Love you Danky,
Tita Frances
Our tradition for Danika for her birthday... ZPizza, Sprinkles and going to the beach.
I have more recent pictures but they're in our hard drive. I'll have to upload more later.
Thank you for all the prayers! The Tibayan family is so encouraged by everyone's love and constant prayers. Words can not express our gratitude. Dennis, Nina, and Niko are encouraged by your love. Please continue to pray.
