We recently learned that Elizabeth (Beth) McCarthy, Owner Aetheria Spa in New Canaan had suffered from a near fatal brain aneurysm on Sunday, July 17th. Her husband gave CPR, and she was taken to the local hospital in their hometown of Bridgeport, CT, where the specialized medical care she needed wasn't available.
With on-going efforts to stabilize her, she was medevacked to Yale University Medical Center in New Haven, CT. Beth "coded" twice more in the Emergency Room before she was finally stabilized and moved to the Neuroscience ICU. It was there the family learned she had experienced a massive stroke (a subarachnoid hemorrhage) due to an aneurysm in the middle of her brain.
Those first two weeks were frightening - not knowing if she would even survive, much less return to her old self. She was in a coma, on a ventilator, on dozens of different medications, and endured two critical surgerys (as well as numerous procedures), just to keep her alive.
Over these past few weeks, the family have watched her progress improve at an amazing pace. First in the ICU at Yale, and now at an Acute Stroke Rehab Center - but she still has quite a ways to go.
For anyone who doesn't know Beth that well - she is kind, determined, bright and vivacious with a passion for life, good food and helping others. She sat on the Board of Directors for the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and when we learned what had happened, we were all truly shocked.
Aetheria Spa will remain open, but please visit her GoFund me campaign. Her recovery will take a long time, despite her spirited nature, so every contribution will help. At the moment $5,520 has been raised from the $600k goal.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery Beth! xo
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