Community rallies around Kirchesh following emergency brain surgery

The Alamo community is coming together in support of Wendy Kirchesh as she begins the long road to recovery following emergency brain surgery performed this week in St. George.

According to family members, Kirchesh had recently been experiencing symptoms including dizziness and feeling off balance. After seeking medical care and undergoing testing, doctors discovered bleeding on one side of her brain during an MRI and CT scans. The bleeding was causing dangerous pressure and shifting within the brain.

Kirchesh was initially taken to Cedar City Hospital before being transported by ambulance to St. George for specialized care. Family members shared that doctors monitored the bleeding overnight before determining emergency surgery could not wait any longer.

“She is in surgery right now and could use all the prayers,” family members shared in a social media update before the procedure. “Please, please pray for her.”

Later that day, the family announced the surgery had gone well.

“Update: She is out of surgery!! Doctor said all went well. We are waiting for her anesthesia to wear off. Thank you guys so much from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers. They mean everything to us.”

As Kirchesh focuses on healing and recovery, family, friends and community members have already stepped forward to help ease some of the financial burden during this difficult time.

Vanessa Stewart has organized several community fundraisers to help support Kirchesh and her family during recovery.

A patriotic blanket raffle is currently underway, featuring a handmade lap blanket measuring 44 by 35 inches — perfect for Fourth of July picnics and fireworks gatherings. Raffle tickets are available through Venmo @Samantha_15_Stewart

3 for $5

10 for $10

20 for $18

with the drawing scheduled for June 30.

In addition, “Sips for Wendy” will take place Thursday, June 11, at the Church Ball Park in Alamo beginning at noon. Happy Bites Custom Lemonades will donate all proceeds from lemonade sales directly toward Wendy’s recovery expenses.

The fundraiser will feature specialty drinks including “Blue Skies Lemonade” and “Strength Splash Lemonade,” created in honor of Wendy’s healing journey.

“Any friends in Alamo or passing through on Thursday, stop by for some delicious lemonades,” organizer Vanessa Stewart said online. “All proceeds are going towards helping Wendy get through recovery.”

Community members continue to rally around Wendy and her family with prayers, donations, kind messages and encouragement as she begins the healing process.

Those wishing to support Wendy can donate through Venmo at @Wendy-Kirchesh-1, purchase raffle tickets through Venmo @Samantha_15_Stewart  , or attend the lemonade fundraiser this Thursday in Alamo