Medical Update on Roxie Pickrell, Where to Send Cards

UPDATE 11/6 - Moments ago, Roxanne Lorraine Pickrell took her last breath. She was just 13 years old. As a community we mourn. We mourn for Roxie and what her life could have been with that red hair and sass. We mourn for the entire Pickrell family, especially for Jason and Cathy. We mostly mourn for a life cut short. I can’t believe that this is how her story ended. She had so much more to do. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

UPDATE 11/5: This family needs us right now.

10/22/2019 - UPDATE: So many of you have been following the story of Roxie and the Pickrell family, over the last several days. They have a long road ahead, but we have an update to share today.

Pickrell Family

If you are unfamiliar with this family, this is their story that we've been reporting on.

Jason Pickrell

This week the funeral was held (10/21/2019) for Gary's Drive-In owner, Gary Pickrell, following his death at the age of 70 (10/11/2019). The funeral had been delayed because Gary's 13-year-old granddaughter, Roxie, is at Norton's Children's Hospital. She had a brain tumor removed on Monday (10/14/2019). We've been following her journey and although there's a lot to be thankful for, there's still a long way to go.

Pickrell Family

Before Roxie was wheeled into the operating room on Monday, she was all smiles. This is one brave little girl. Although, the surgeon was optimistic with the outcome after surgery, there is still so much unknown. It's a very scary time for this family.

10/22/2019 Update:

Sodium levels high this morning so she's breathing fast and not as responsive. Continue to pray without ceasing!

10/21/2019 Evening Update:

Roxy is AWAKE. The family laid Gary to rest yesterday, and when Jason and Cathy got back to Norton's Children's Hospital, Roxie was awake. She still has a very, very long way to go, but this is a great first step in the right direction. She has some movement on her right side, but still not on her left side.

From Cathy: Next step Prayer request - That she is able to safely get this intubation tube out. She looks uncomfortable and wants it out! She wants a drink!

10/21/2019 Update:

Roxie is still intubated. Shes on an antibiotic for congestion/a cold. Her temperature has been high since surgery so she was put on a cooling blanket. Shes not processing food well so she is now receiving nutrition through her veins instead of a feeding tube. When shes not sedated, she is squeezing our hand, giving thumbs up, squeezing her eyes, wiggling toes, nodding yes and no. She hears us. Please keep praying. Dont stop. She WILL come out of this and there is a purpose to her suffering.

10/19/2019 Update:

'small positive changes'
Cathy (Mom) - she is squeezing my hand with her right hand when I ask her to
- her eyes are still closed but she has "blinked" for me 3 times (squeezed her eye tight) when asked - when asked, she gave Dr Sweeney a thumbs up with her right hand

I am still being told to expect slow progress but to me this is huge.
Keep praying
Together, we got this

10/17/2019 Update:
MRI confirms swelling related to surgery. She HAS had a stroke in the right side of her brain, affecting her left leg.
There is also a possibility she has had a stroke in her thalamus, which affects wakefulness and alertness, which may be why she is still not awake. We are being told her brain is taking time to re-arrange and regenerate itself. She may take days ....or weeks.
Pray and send us positive thoughts without ceasing.

On 10/16/2019 Cathy and Jason posted an update on Roxie's medical journey. I'll let them share the status of Roxie's progress, in their own words.

Pickrell Family

If you want to send Roxie a card or maybe an iTunes Gift Card, here's the information you need. Roxie loves music and will respond well to this. You can also drop cards off at Gary's Drive-In or at WBKR, and we'll get them to the family. Most of all, say a prayer.

Norton's Children's Hospital - 231 E Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
Pediatric ICU
Roxie Pickrell
4th floor
Room 417, Bed 2

Pickrell Family