MinneapolitanMusic

If you've read the news today, you know that there is a deadly E. coli outbreak spreading through Wisconsin and the surrounding states right now, caused by bagged spinach that was fertilized improperly. Normally, I read these kinds of stories and distance myself from them like they are a sort of science fiction tale happening to other people in far off places, thanking my lucky stars that I don't know anyone affected. Not this time.

I first heard news of my friend Ashlee's sickness yesterday, and I didn't really know what it all meant - I mean, sure, people get food poisoning all the time, but they always recover, right? The news shifted, and Ashlee was moved to the Intensive Care unit at the hospital where she was admitted in Milwaukee. Doctors were reporting something about plunging platelets, and Ashlee was put through procedure after procedure of blood transfusions, dialysis, and something called plasmapheresis and now she is so sick that she is having trouble recognizing her family or anyone else she knows because of all the trauma to her mind and body. That's when I really started to get worried.

Today came the worst news so far. A close friend of ours says she might not make it.

Might not make it. Jesus. She's 22 years old, and she ate spinach out of a plastic bag.

I don't know if you pray, if you believe in a god or a higher power or fate or any of it (hell I don't even know if I do) but please take a minute to think good thoughts about this beautiful person, let's send her and all the people affected by this outbreak all the good vibes we can muster.

Download one of Ashlee's favorite songs, "TV" by Headlights. I don't know why, I can't stop listening to it.

UPDATE: Ashlee is doing much better. As far as I know she is headed toward full recovery. Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and words!