A Steinbach woman and CHVN listener is facing an unimaginable battle as she recovers from severe health complications that began with a common cold.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Tasha Wiese and her family during this difficult time. Her journey has taken a heartbreaking turn, and her loved ones are reaching out to the community for support.
On Monday, March 10, Wiese suddenly became very ill and was taken to Steinbach Hospital, where her condition rapidly worsened. She was urgently transferred via STARS air ambulance to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and admitted directly to the medical intensive care unit. There, doctors initiated extensive measures to save her life.
Wiese remains in critical condition due to severe pneumonia, invasive Group A Streptococcus, and septic shock. She has been placed on dialysis to support her kidneys and has undergone numerous interventions to combat the infections. Since her admission, she has been mostly unconscious. In the initial 48 hours, doctors considered Wiese the sickest patient in the province.
Her road to recovery has been slow and very difficult. Due to severe complications, blood flow to her extremities was significantly restricted, causing irreversible damage. As a result, Wiese had both hands and both legs amputated above the knees. This degree of amputation due to her illness is extremely rare. Her family was aware of this possibility for weeks but wanted Tasha to be informed before sharing the news publicly.
Wiese will require extensive medical interventions, including prosthetic limbs, specialized rehabilitation, and ongoing care. She remains in critical condition, requiring breathing assistance and permanent dialysis. Her loved ones are determined to provide her with the best equipment and care to help her regain as much normalcy as possible.
For many years, Wiese has been an integral part of the Steinbach community throughout her life, notably through her volunteer work with the Steinbach Pistons hockey team. She is known for her enthusiastic support and unwavering dedication to the team and the broader community. Wiese is also known by many children in Grunthal through her work at a daycare centre.
Wiese also volunteered at the merch table while now Nashville Christian artist Jordan St. Cyr would tour across Manitoba.
Her sister-in-law, Alaina Belliveau, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Wiese and her husband, Brendan, as they face this overwhelming challenge. The fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial burden of her medical needs and long-term recovery. The family is asking for assistance, whether through kind words, prayers, or financial contributions.
“It’s heartbreaking,” says Tahnee Hoff of her sister’s condition. “This just all started because she had a cold.”
She adds that while recovery will be a long road, it's encouraging to see slow improvements.
The Steinbach and Christian community is known for rallying together in times of need. This fundraising effort offers residents a chance to give back to someone who has given so much to others. Contributions will help fund medical equipment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, ensuring that Wiese has the best possible chance at recovery.
Those wishing to contribute can find the GoFundMe campaign by clicking here. The goal is to raise $100,000. The family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and asks that the community continue to keep Tasha in their thoughts and prayers during her recovery journey.