After nearly six months in Winnipeg hospitals, Steinbach’s Tasha Wiese is finally back home.
Wiese, who became critically ill in March and underwent multiple amputations due to severe complications, says she returned to Steinbach on August 27.
Life back in Steinbach
“It feels so great to be back in Steinbach but it also feels weird,” Wiese says, adding that being home with her husband and her dog has been the highlight.
Chippy, her dog, has quickly adjusted to her being around again. “Chippy is loving every minute of me being at home. He loves to sit in my wheelchair when I am not using it. He thinks it’s a new dog bed for him.”
Chip, Tasha Wiese's dog, enjoys lounging in her wheelchair. (Photo submitted)
Wiese notes the transition hasn’t been easy, but the community’s support has made a big difference. “I just want to say thank you to everyone for the love, support and incredible generosity that has been shown. The scale of it was so big it was difficult to comprehend.”
An emotional night at the concert
Just days after returning home, Wiese attended the Zach Williams and Jordan St. Cyr concert at the new Southeast Event Centre.
“The concert was absolutely amazing and I loved every minute of it. The Southeast Event Centre is so amazing. It was my first time seeing it,” she says.
Tasha Wiese and Jordan St. Cyr are all smiles during a meet-up at the Southeast Event Centre concert in Steinbach. (Photo submitted)
During the concert, Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Director of Communications, Marketing and Sales at SEC, surprised her with the chance to meet Jordan St. Cyr. “I turned to the left and saw Jordan. This made me smile so big and Jordan gave me a big hug. He said, ‘Guess what I brought you?’ He pulled out a brand new sweater. I gave him another hug and said thank you. Before he left I asked if I could get a picture with him. He said absolutely.”
Ongoing recovery
Even though she is home, Wiese continues to face daily challenges.
She receives home-care visits each morning, along with daily nursing support for a wound still healing. She also attends physiotherapy and acupuncture sessions three times a week. Learning to use her prosthetic arms is an ongoing process.
“I still have lots of work to do with being home,” Wiese says. “Even though my days seem busy, I still find time to relax, spend time with my dog Chip, and my family and friends.”
Tasha Wiese relaxes at home in Steinbach, snuggling with her dog Chippy as she continues her recovery. (Photo submitted)
Community support continues
Wiese says she has been overwhelmed by the attention her story has received. “This was definitely a bit of a shock. As I learned of the publicity about my situation, I could hardly believe it. I was moved to tears on numerous occasions. One time a random stranger stopped me in the hall at HSC and said, ‘My goodness. It’s Tasha.’ It was mind blowing.”
Despite everything she has endured, Wiese says she has no requests from the community at this time. “Everyone has already done so much, I couldn’t think of a single thing.”
Tasha Wiese and her dog Chip were happy to be reunited after spending weeks apart. (Photo submitted)
Wiese’s journey began on March 10 when she suddenly became critically ill and was transferred from Steinbach to Winnipeg by STARS air ambulance. She was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, invasive Group A Streptococcus and septic shock. Doctors placed her on dialysis and multiple interventions were needed to keep her alive. Complications ultimately led to amputations of both hands and both legs above the knees.
Her survival and progress have been described as remarkable, and the Steinbach community continues to rally behind her recovery.