For the most current updates on Anissa’s progress, please check her first blog, Hope 4 Peyton. Her husband will be updating regularly.
•••
As you may have heard, Anissa, our beloved friend and leader here at Aiming Low, suffered a massive stroke on Tuesday afternoon. She is in the hospital right now, in the ICU.
More than anything, Anissa needs your prayers and positive thoughts but to the many people who have offered help to the Mayhew family, here is some info on what you can do:
Things that would be helpful right now are gift cards (AMEX and Visa are most flexible) or gift cards to restaurants and gift cards to the movies or to Blockbuster (to help keep the kids’ occupied). If you would like to give a restaurant gift card, the following restaurants are local to them: Chick Fil A, Beef O’Brady’s, Hooter’s, Applebee’s, Moe’s, Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, Panera Bread, Sonny’s, Burger King, Zaxby’s, McDonald’s, Subway.
A P.O. Box has been set up to receive any items you wish to send, the address can be found below. Please don’t send anything to the hospital or the Mayhew home. If you have questions, please email helpforanissa@gmail.com
We ask that you please respect the Mayhew family’s privacy by NOT calling the hospital and we thank you all SO MUCH for your outpouring of love and support for Anissa and her family. With thanks and love, The Aiming Low Team
If you would like to send something to Anissa and her family, we have set up a P.O. Box:
The Mayhew Family
860 Johnson Ferry Road 140-184
Atlanta, GA 30342
Please consider making a donation to the Mayhew Family to help with costs.
(Copy the code below, if you’d like to post this button on your own site)
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=KVP22JXHK22EE&lc=US&item_name=Help%20For%20Anissa%20Mayhew¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3a4114683939_c28d0ed5bb_o%2ejpg%3aNonHosted"> <img src="http://bit.ly/3wQ3Ke" border="0"/></a>
.
Have you written a post about Anissa? Please use Mr. Linky to link your post below! Please leave your messages and comments on the Caring Bridge site. Thank you!
.
11/19/09 10:00 am UPDATE FROM ANISSA’S HUSBAND:
Well. I went home and stayed with the kids. Her sister and friend stayed with her. Apparently she had lots of eye movement this am. Encouraging. More scans this am.
————
11/18/09 5:32 pm UPDATE FROM ANISSA’S HUSBAND:
Neurosurgeon just stopped in. We talked about the second bleed. I mentioned in the past 30 minutes her movement had picked up: – she was searching natalie’s hand for a ring we think – she was moving her left leg and arm more deliberately – she was having some facial expressions So, the doctor rubbed her sternum and said her name loud. She tried to open her eyes! Did it again, and the eyes opened wider. She keeps trying to reach the tubes and such. Very encouraging! KEEP PRAYING PLEASE!
————-
11/18/09 UPDATE 4:37 PM FROM ANISSA’S HUSBAND:
Not much change. Second bleed was not good. I brought the kids up. She responded slightly, then a lot of movement 20 minutes after they left. She’s fighting and has reached for me. Hard to say the reason, but she stops when contact is made. Feeding tube is in.
————
11/18/09 1:37 pm Eastern UPDATE FROM ANISSA’S HUSBAND:
She’s had more bleeding in the left thalamus. She has bled into the spinal fluid. Also has more swelling and has become less responsive.
————
11/18/09 12 pm Eastern UPDATE FROM ANISSA’S HUSBAND:
What we know is she had a massive stroke. She bled into the brainstem and pons areas of the brain. She is no longer sedated but still unconcious and unresponsive. Vitals are mostly stable except for a lowgrade fever most likely due to the damage to the pons. The pons control the bodies ability to regulate temperature. She is still on a vent and it is unclear if she is capable of breathing on her own. She has had an mri/mra/ct today. An eeg is pending. We’re in a waiting game now for survival first, and ultimately for her to wake up.
Anissa and family you are in our thought and prayers.
Twitter Name: amyjod
[...] an incredible blogger and mom in Atlanta named Anissa. If you haven’t read her before, you should puruse her archives. She’s sassy, funny and [...]
I’m new to Aiming Low, and Anissa, but wanted to send positive thoughts and prayers to the entire Mayhew family… I sincerely hope that Anissa pulls through for the sake of those three gorgeous children.
Momma Spohr sent me to your site. I am SO sorry to hear what has happened. It’s just a tragedy. I will say a prayer tonight for Anissa and her family. It is beautiful to see all of the outpouring of love and support here.
[...] *UPDATED 3:23 EST* for the most up to date info, please visit Hope for Anissa. [...]
love, hope, and positivity to Anissa and her family and friends.
[...] can also find updates at Aiming Low – though they’ve been having server [...]
I am sending comforting thoughts & prayers of strength to Anissa and her family. This family is well supported. Take one step at a time.
[...] Read more about Anissa and find updates at Aiming Low. [...]
All my thoughts and prayers are directed toward Anissa and her family today. You have brightened my day more times than you know. Please be okay.
Twitter Name: laurie_pooh
Mayhew family- I’m just one more friend; I don’t know you all too well but to know you is to love you. Thank you so much for the updates; they mean so much to all of us. There is always more ‘Hope for Anissa’ than you could even imagine. Prayers continue…give her a kiss from me. f.r.o.G.’ing for all of you!!!!
My thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your family.
Just… speechless. I haven’t been doing this long, but what I’ve found is an amazing community of interconnected people. And for this to happen so unexpectedly to an amazing woman is just shocking. She doesn’t even know all the hearts that she’s touched.
*prayers and hope*
[...] her family needs all the love and support they can get. You can make a paypal donation or check out Aiming Low or Heather’s blog for more ways to [...]
On behalf of Straight No Chaser, I would like to send my regards. We will all keep Anissa in our thoughts and prayers!
Seggie Isho
I wanted to let Annisa and her family know that, while at this time, I’m unable to donate financially – I have emailed EVERY ONE of the restaurants above asking for gift card donations to the PO Box provided. May God bless the Mayhew family and give Annisa the strength to pull through this. – Amanda, Austin, TX
Thinking tremendously good thoughts. While I only heard about Anissa yesterday, what I have read and what I know know about this amazing woman makes me want her to get better even more. Thinking of her family, her friends, and everyone else who knows this special woman. You can do it, Anissa! We’re all rooting for you!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Mayhew family in this time of need.
your prayer request touched us. We are praying for you. We found this site helpful http://www.holylandprayer.com Check it; maybe it gives you a relief. God bless you.
Mine is probably not the typical post, but I hope it helps. I really didn’t know Anissa at all, but I do know what it’s like to be in this situation and wanted to give some suggestions about how help can be provided as Anissa continues on her journey.
Just wanted you to know there is hope. My dad suffered a brain stem stroke as well (at age 49). It was initially devestating but he made a truly remarkable recovery, in part because he was so young and strong when it happened. Rehab can be a long and difficult road but it is possible to get your life back.
Keep praying, hoping, and fighting.
[...] for Anissa Prayers for Anissa. And much, much love to her [...]
[...] 5, and her mom Anissa. But this time the worry is for Anissa. Anissa Mayhew, blogger, mom of 3, and founder of Aiming Low, suffered a stroke last night, and is in the [...]
Thinking of you Anissa and your whole family. I wish there was more that I could do, but please know ALL support and very LOUD prayers are being uttered in your name.. not only by myself but soooo many who do know and adore you. My deepest desire is for your full and very speedy recovery.
saying prayers for Anissa and her family. . .
Although I have not had the pleasure of knowing Anissa, I am praying for a full recovery, too. Also, lifting the Mayhew family up in prayer to our Almighty Heavenly Father.
Tina
Dear Anissa & Family,
I heard about your need via mutual blog friends on Twitter and was moved by your need. I’m joining with your friends in praying for your healing and complete restoration…and it is Jesus name I pray. Amen
Twitter Name: sasstown
Oh no! Anissa and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
[...] of the traffic caused by people trying to find out how she was doing. It’s back up now, and more current updates have been posted. It’s [...]
[...] Click here for updates on how she’s doing. [...]
You all are in our prayers. Sending you big long distance hugs!!!
I just wanted to say I’m very sorry about your friend Anissa. What a terribly awful situation. My prayers are with her and all her friends and family.
Hoping and praying for a full recovery!!
<333
Twitter Name: melisalw
I have never met this wonderful woman but i have read NUMEROUS posts about her today and I am touched by the outpouring of love that the blogging community has for her!! I am keeping her and her family and friends in my thoughts!!!
[...] Whatever it is that you, our readers, can do, whether it’s pray, meditate, dance naked in the dew by the glow of the moon, please join us in sending loving energy to Anissa and her family. Mamapop is posting updates on her condition and Aiming Low has information of how you can help. [...]
[...] good and truly want to be there for each other. So I will add my voice to the chorus. Get well Anissa, you and your family are in my thoughts. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)NFL [...]
Dear Anissa,
Oh my goodness. I hope you feel better soon! FWIW, I had two strokes four years ago at the age of 24. Mine weren’t as terrible as yours, as they were ischemic and I gather from I read on this site that yours were hemorragic (sp), but after the first one, I was completely paralyzed on my right side, I had ‘mild’ aphasia (whatever that means … ‘mild’ is a neurologists’s term, not mine!), and I was *exhausted*. However, four years later, I’m doing pretty well. I’m skiing again — movement on my right side has come back! And I can talk! (I’m not as comfortable as I used to be, but …) Now, if I can get my energy to follow suit, I’ll be peachy again!
My prayers are with you and your family.
– Kathy =)
Still saying prayers and sending my love.
Our prayers are with you; I am so glad there was so good news updated. Tons of hugs to you all.
My heart is with you and your family, wishing only the best for Anissa!
[...] fact that the lovely ladies at Aiming Low have set up a P.O box as well as a paypal donation for those who would like to send money and gift certificates for [...]
The button isn’t working on my page. :/
Twitter Name: SillyJaime
Dearest Anissa, I’m thinking of you and sending warm healing hugs and prayers.
Twitter Name: threeundertwo
my thoughts are with you
Twitter Name: honeybunny1081
[...] if you’d like to help her family, there is information on how you can help at Aiming Low and The Spohrs are [...]
A day late and a dollar short, but I did a post, finally.
She has been in my thoughts since I found out.
Twitter Name: Nicole013
[...] around her. However, there have been over 382 posts written for or about her (and linked up on Aiming Low), so I encourage you to take some time today and read them. If you don’t already know and [...]
I am so sad to hear of this trajedy. Our family is praying for Anissa and for the Mayhew family.
Twitter Name: coolwhipmom
What a beautiful young family! Thoughts are with you all!
[...] up-to-the-minute updates on Anissa’s progress, please check the Aiming Low post about her, the @AimingLow twitter account, or the CaringBridge site. Both sites are being [...]
[...] It took a little while for the news to trickle out, but it came out that Anissa had suffered a stroke and was in the ICU in an Atlanta area hospital. You can read more about it at one of Anissa’s blogs, Aiming Low. [...]
[...] who is still very much in need of your help and your prayers and your thoughts. You can visit AimingLow for some details on how you can help. Anissa is a fighter. SHE IS. and she’s going to wake up [...]
[...] I saw my friend Anissa in February of this year, after we hugged and squealed she pushed me away and said, [...]
Keep touching….
[...] If you’d rather donate gift cards, or other things directly to them go to AimingLow [...]
Although I didnt know her personally my prayers goes out to her and her family. God Bless her
Just wanted to let you know that last night on my web show I interviewed The Bloggess. We dedicated each and every awkward delay silence to you. I also talked about your caringbridge site and gave the link. I’m thinking good thoughts for you all the time.
Lee :)
[...] sure what to say. On Tuesday one of the most fantastic members of our amazing blogging community, Anissa Mayhew, suffered a massive stroke and is currently in the ICU fighting for her life. When I logged on to [...]
[...] in Los Angeles), but I knew I liked her. Everyone does. Just read the 200+ blog posts cheering her on. Or search the Twitter hashtag [...]
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Be well, Anissa and family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Twitter Name: milliondreammom
When I first read this I put my link up there and Mr. Linky and didn’t write a post…you know being A Vapid Blonde and all, came back to read more comments and realized what a dope I was…
I don’t know Anissa personally but my thoughts are certainly with her and I wrote a little post too on Friday.
Get well…SOON!
Late, but we’re hoping praying and adding to the love and support!
Also when I tried to copy the code for the Help Button…it did not work for me. I just wanted to let you know.
Anissa and the whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish there was something useful I could do but for now I guess I’ll go with praying extra hard xx
My prayers are with Anissa and her family and our blogging family too. I met Anissa on Twitter and she has had me laughing ever since. She is one in a million.
[...] @anissamayhew as well-she WILL be back, folks. If you’d like to help her family, please go here and find out how you can help. Please keep Anissa and her family in your thoughts as they take this [...]
[...] don’t know Anissa Mayhew. And until last week, I never even heard her name. That was until Amelia e-mailed several local [...]
Sending all my love and hope…
xoxo
Anissa, that post was one of the most difficult I think I’ve ever written.
And that’s saying a lot considering the whole ‘dead mom’ part of my life.
MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!!! Get back here and make me laugh now, dammit.
Twitter Name: outdoordogs
[...] don’t know Anissa in real life. I read her brain-child, Aiming Low, from time to time, and it lifts me up to know that not every mother is [...]
[...] 5, and her mom Anissa. But this time the worry is for Anissa. Anissa Mayhew, blogger, mom of 3, and founder of Aiming Low, suffered a stroke last night, and is in the [...]
[...] day, to help Anissa and her family by donating a percentage of that day’s profits to her Hope For Anissa [...]
[...] Labels team is rallying around the amazing Anissa Mayhew of Free Anissa, Hope 4 Peyton and Aiming Low who suffered a stroke over a week [...]
[...] doing things the all American half-assed way. On December 10th, I’m participating in their Shop 4 Anissa fundraiser. I’ll be donating 25% of my profits from my Etsy shop to their cause in exchange [...]