Tasha Wiese continues on her journey of recovery, growing stronger with each passing day.
Since March, she has been healing from a life-threatening illness that led to multiple amputations.
Despite the unimaginable challenges, her strength and spirit remain an inspiration to those who know her.
Her uncle, Bryan Bartel, says the family is holding onto every bit of progress and celebrating the small victories along the way.
"Just the other day, on a beautiful Sunday, they were actually able to get her into a wheelchair, take her outside for a few minutes, and she got to see her beloved dog. I was not there, but I can just mentally picture it. With that warm sunshine, that must have been almost heavenly for her. She loves her dog Chipper, and he would have been jumping and leaping all over her. I can mentally picture it would have been just a beautiful scene."
According to an update on Tasha's GoFundMe page, she has been moved to the Intermediate ICU. Tasha is speaking through her tracheotomy valve, and the family is pleased to hear her voice.
Bartel explains that in no way is Tasha facing this difficult journey alone.
"Just watching the family and the caregivers, her husband just come alongside her, it's just fabulous. It's just unbelievable. And I just hear reports, glowing reports of the care that she's been receiving at Health Science. It's just beautiful to see."
Bartel also owns MJ’s Kafe in Steinbach, and they are organizing a community fundraiser to help support Tasha with the mounting costs that come with recovery.
"We're trying to do our part, and so we're having a fundraiser day for Tasha's needs, and that's Wednesday. We're going to be having a Tasha burger and fries, and people can stop by and pick up a burger. It's $25, and 100 per cent of the sale goes to Tasha’s needs, and we’re just excited about it. It's going to be a lot of fun!"
This will help cover the cost of prosthetics, wheelchairs, ramps, and customizing their home, among other equipment.
The Tasha Burger may be simple, but it’s made with care, and according to Bartel, it comes with one strict rule.
"It's pickles, relish, mustard, but there's absolutely no onions, there's no onions allowed," he says. "Tasha does like trying different things, but she certainly likes your basic burger, and we're kind of happy about that because we're going to be stretched tomorrow."
Those looking to order five or more burgers are encouraged to call ahead.
"Give us a call today already. Call ahead of time so that we can get those burgers ready and out the door. So, give us a call, it's also available for dine-in. We're expecting to be fairly busy. So, plan ahead, book your burger ahead of time if you can, that would be great."
It’s not just burgers being served, there will also be sweet treats thanks to Bartel’s mom.
"My mother, who is going on 90 years old. She's just a wonderful lady, she baked a whole pile, I'm talking 60, 70 cakes, little cakes, and we're selling those for $20 a pop. They're her homemade recipe with her homemade icing, they're fabulous."
Bracelets will also be available for purchase.
"I got to watch that I don't tear up here. We've got bracelets that were made by the children at the daycare that Tasha worked at, and the lady dropped them off the other day. They were lovingly made."
Bartel says they’re expecting a busy day and asks for patience as they work to serve the community.
"That's why we're encouraging people to order ahead, then we can properly prepare. We have extra staff, we have people that have volunteered to come in and help as well, we've got some people that maybe have worked in the restaurant industry before, they're coming in to help as well. So, it's going to be fun. It's going to be this well-oiled machine, just humming along."
The community is invited to stop by MJ’s Kafe at 408 Main Street in Steinbach on Wednesday, April 30, to enjoy a Tasha Burger, pick up a dessert, and grab a bracelet all in support of Tasha's recovery.
A GoFundMe campaign is still active for those who wish to contribute.
With files from Adi Loewen