Emily's obituary from the Register Guard

Emily's obituary is in today's Register Guard (and we've posted it below). If you have any memories you'd like to share, please post them in comments here or on the Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/emily.monfort/posts/10157012215727266

Emily Rose Monfort died November 10, 2019 in Seattle at University of Washington Medical Center. Her parents, Peg and Keith, were at her side holding her hands as she passed. She filled her 36 years with family, friendship, education, adventure, and a joyful love of life. Emily received a second double lung transplant on November 9th and never regained consciousness. She suffered massive organ failure and Peg and Keith made the decision to discontinue the heroic efforts to maintain her life. This is as she would have wished. The underlying cause of death was Cystic Fibrosis, which she had battled bravely and ferociously her entire life. Emily had received a first lung transplant in February 2009 and following seven very good years experienced three years of chronic rejection of those transplanted lungs.

Emily was born in Eugene, Oregon in 1983. She went to Edison Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, and IHS at South Eugene High School, graduating in 2002. She received a Ford Family Scholarship to attend the University of Oregon.

Even though she faced daunting health issues from birth, she refused to be defined or limited by that. Always active, she did gymnastics and ice-skating, and loved the All-Comers track meets at Hayward Field and the sport of the season with KidSports. She took great joy in the freedom of running and jumping. Emily played soccer through her sophomore year, having the thrill of scoring a hat trick on her 16th birthday while playing for the South JV team. Emily was a snowboarder, skier, and rock climber, and at ten years old climbed the South Sister. She was at home in the outdoors and enjoyed camping in both the mountains and by the rivers.
While at UO she was very active with the Outdoor Program and had a work study position there. After her first year in college she worked as a river guide, drawing on her personal experience on the McKenzie, Deschutes and Rogue Rivers. She was an accomplished river runner, spending many weeks on wilderness rivers, and was proud to have rowed clients the length of the Rogue's Wild And Scenic section as a 19-year-old. She floated the Rogue River more than a dozen times and the Middle Fork of the Salmon and Colorado Rivers twice each. She relished the six weeks she spent with dear friends in the depths of the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.

Emily loved to travel. She visited Belize, St. Thomas, and Europe. Following her first lung transplant, Emily traveled solo in Europe for six weeks, visiting many friends and countries, after which she returned to UO and received her BA in Humanities and Art History.

She was always happy at the Oregon Country Fair—she loved her fair family, her camp, the music and the food. Her creative spirit blossomed there and she delighted in creating costumes.

No mention of Emily is complete without talking about her beloved golden retrievers Buster and Gus. They were her steadfast companions, always there with unconditional love, comfort, and support.

We would like to express our thanks to the many people that were part of the medical community who helped Emily throughout her lifetime. Their care and devotion helped her to live. The last three years were very difficult and we are profoundly grateful for faithful and devoted friends that visited her. She so appreciated them.

As her parents, we humbly thank Emily Rose for being so brave and strong through the years of her pain and illness. No matter how difficult the struggle, she was always gracious and grateful for her care. It was the greatest honor to be her parents and take care of her. We will miss her forever.

Emily was deeply grateful to the organ donors and their families that helped her to extend her life. She would ask that you please consider becoming an organ donor, and if you do, share her story online with the hashtag #livelikeemily. Donations in her memory can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Donate Life.

There will be a Celebration of Emily Rose Monfort's Life in 2020.

Sunday Nov 24, 2019 : Emily’s Obituary

Emilys obituary is in today’s Eugene Register Guard.    www.registerguard.com/legacy     That should get you there. Please share with others........thank you keith

Nov 19. Update

Hello friends and family...I’m uncertain if this will reach many but but please pass it along. I flew to Seattle this morning and tomorrow will return to Eugene with Emily’s ashes. The cremation took a few days and Peg and I needed to be home. I am staying with very dear friends, Lorinda and Russ. They embraced us last week and took us in. Tomorrow Bruce , a friend of forty five, years will drive Emily and I home. Bruce also wrapped us up last week.

We want folks to know that there will be a celebration of Emily’s wonderful and courageous life..we do not have plans yet. It will be after the first of the year. As a plan does develop we will let you know.

We a very grateful for the various cards, posts, comments etc that have come in. They have helped us a lot and I believe that they are meaningful to the many people that were part of the tapestry that was Emily’s life.

It’s impossible to grasp that her physical body is gone. We find her spirit filling our home and surrounding us completely and we miss her.

Thank you for the support......Keith and Peg.

Taking Emily Home

All......thank you for support.....it helps not just Peg and I but all who Emily touched....we are reeling but must plan .....Emily will be cremated here in Seattle. Then one last drive home.....there will be a celebration of her wonderous life sometime in the future..we miss her so very much.. keith & peg

Emily’s Eyes........3:00pm........donate life

hello all. A little follow up. We miss Emily so very much. Thought we were ready but not so much. She was a petite woman who took up a lot of room with her big smile and zest for life. One of the very difficult moments as she died was knowing that she could not donate her organs. Her body was so savaged by the efforts to keep her alive post transplant that her organs were no longer viable. This would have completely pissed her off..A short time ago we received a call and we are pretty sure that her corneas have now been procured to be donated. This news would have thrilled her. She believed passionately in organ donations. Simple to her. Donated organs save lives. You do not need them anymore when you die. Help somebody else. Be a donor sign up now. I can feel her wanting me to say that. she was known to speak her mind. We can all be happy in this appalling sadness that her eyes ,at least, will help some one. They Will surely see the world in a new way.....keith

Not a FB or social media user...plz guide people back to this post as Emily would want to celebrate the donation of her eyes....or repost elsewhere..peg and I are grateful to everyone for the support pouring in. It means a lot and somehow Emily knows.

our hearts are broken

Dear Friends and Family,

Emily Rose died this morning at about 4:00 am November 10, 2019. She died of massive organ failure never having regained consciousness after transplant surgery. Peg and I made the decision to discontinue the heroic measures that were keeping her alive. This was as Emily wished. She was without pain or anxiety. She loved this life and fought fiercely but it was time to let go.She was so very weary. She wanted the second transplant it just did not work out. She would want you to remember her today. Maybe some tears but surely some laughter. We will always be surrounded by her awesome spirit but there is a awful hole in our world. It is the most wonderful gift to be her parents and we will forever miss her. It has been the sweetest gift to have shared the wonder of her life.

We love you dearly Emily Rose Monfort

Keith & Peg


Thank you to all for your support.

6:00pm.....11.09........update

during last hours thr lung bypass machine has been hooked up it helps oxygenate and clean the blood...trying to reduce stress on new lungs..EKMO is the device...this was a pretty big deal involved a lot of folks....the hall was once again full of equipment and folks working for Emily......it’s calm at this moment but last hour was a bit frantic with BP and other issues......also dialysis is going....general surgeons stopped by to look at bandaging over her abdominal cavity .........we saw the transplant surgeon....... he reaffirmed how difficult the transplant had been.....what is going on is unusual and truly has everyone’s attention. Hopefully she can hold this level for the night.......each hour is a milestone and hard to grasp she hasn’t been in ICU for a full day........I think that the pattern is going to be ongoing ups and downs......think good thoughts.....I’m thinking the night will be long...we’ll be with Emily and tag team a little sleep in family room in cruel chairs ...trying not to snore or drool too much.....so blogging energy may be limited....keith and peg

2:00pm..........11.09.19

This past hour or so has been the quietest since arriving at ICU.......this is good but relative.....it has been all hands on deck twice with a very real chance , even likelyhood of Emily not surviving......even in ICU it’s unusual to have multiple surgeons in you room....fluid retention remains probably the most immediate issue...that was the reason for abdominal surgery....so much pressure that all her organs were at risk.....still a problem and an in room by pass machine is now being set up. Hopefully to stay ahead of the fluid now rather than an emergent situation later......Also she is starting kidney dialysis to remove toxins and reduce fluid........Still it is fairly quiet and the hallway which was full of devices now looks normal.......her caregivers are truly extraordinary.....the goal is to reduce fluids and hope here kidneys, liver and intestines can recover normal function....we’ve been with her quiet a bit but are out now while a sterile procedure is done.....more access for IV....there are 16 IV pumps bedside with multiple bags on some..plus the dialysis machine and bypass machine...lotta stuff......we talk to her a lot and will read some of the comments from the blog...she is not responsive but we feel sure she hears at some level...keith & peg



Suggestion from Julie.... at bottom of home page click on word..home....this seems to refresh and there are comments that come up on some older posts.....thx plz keep in touch....helps more than we can express knowing your out there for Emily Rose.

12:30pm.........11.9.19

Emily managed to hang with us through abdominal surgery to relieve fluid retention.. She remains very fragile on several fronts but is a guarded better than a while ago......there are 2-4 folks with and working hard at all timeS......not much I can say except that we hope the hours ahead allow her to hold and perhaps improve.    This is gonna be days long. Keith



Been suggested that if you are having trouble commenting try a different browser......or if you have other ideas txt me

Emily has “stabilized”again. She has special covering on lung incision & abdominal incision is still open with special “plastic bag” over bowel. 3 chest tubes draining. Abdominal suction. New suction on ventilator. Large amounts of fluid draining off which is helping in many ways.
Especially helping organs function more normally , blood pressure stabilize, pressure off heart etc
They will start dialysis soon to help kidney function.
Overall outlook is a bit better than 2 hours ago-which was really poor. Her new lungs seem to be working well & so far not harmed by all this trauma.
Thanks again to everyone for your constant love & support. And always such gratitude & honor to donor & family.
Love Peg and Keith

9:00 am

Bad swing of pendulum. Major crisis w emergency surgery in room to release fluid build up.  Seemed to help but multiple organs are stressed and being carefully monitored over next hours/days.....there were 15+ folks attending her.....now just waiting and hoping ......k&p

Update.....7:00am.........11.09.19

Emily is more stable than last post. At that time she was very critical......her room was filled with a huge team keeping her going.......still receiving blood....she lost so much because of removing old lungs.......this will be a long day of uncertainty......we check in each hour or so. Hard not to be with her. When there we talk with her through the sedative, she is unresponsive which is a blessing of sorts......we tell of her of folks reaching out......the crisis is far from over but better than a couple of hours ago.....from keith & peg.........not sure how much will update during day....plz continue to expand network of contacts.....best not to assume someone knows.   Thank you...k

Update.....5:00am......11.09.19

dear family and friends.....please send thoughts, prayers, wishes, love to Emily as she is in a battle to live........she is in ICU...... she has lost and is receiving blood transfusion......Emily Rose is intubated and sedated and outlook is uncertain.....we were with her for only a minute and are waiting ......as always she is fighting fiercely.......keith and peg

Update.....1:00am.....11.09.19

good morning........just saw Tx surgeon. Second lung is in and working. Emily will be inOR a bit longer then up to ICU. She is intubated and sedated and will be for sometime.  Perhaps a couple of days. The transplant was difficult so she will be brought along carefully.. .....Thereis concern and the next days are critical.....Emily needs all of our support.....we will not see here for perhaps a couple of hours......will post later today. Km.....thx for following her today...we do feel your thoughts and support Keith & Peg & Emily

Update: 11:30ish on 11.08.19

From the surgical waiting room. Second Floor Skybridge. Big room, accommodates 30/40;folks waiting.. There is a volunteer at a desk until 5. She answer the phone and calls out a patients name. A family or friend  hustles up to answer and get a report from the OR. You try not to stare or listen but the only reason your here is to get that report. Truly all in the same boat hoping for smooth sailing....every so often a surgeon comes. Usually in scrubs, with the little surgical hat or bandana if ther cool and often a mask hanging round their neck. They search the room for a familiar face...Sometimes a quick word in the room. Other times a conference in a meeting room. Can’t help but worry while those are going on. Sometimes smiles come out of the room..sometimes tears....Nolonger 30 folks here. Down to me and Peg. When the phone rings we know who it’s for. Voice on other end has become a familiar anchor to the day..now 10 hours since Emily went back and at least 8+ of surgery. Got a call about 11. First Tx lung is in. And working. They should be well along on second but still a ways to go......we should get a visit from Tx surgeon in next few hours....will be about the firth or sixth time talking to him post op.....will try to post at least once more tonight but getting a bit tired......if not will catch up at some point tomorrow.Emily goes to ICU for sure.....keep commenting it’s good to hear of support for Emily.....thanks and love to all.keith and peg

Update at 9:00pm 11.08.19

pegs last update was from7:00 call this is from9:00 call fromOR.  RNs are great about calling, directly from OR.....Dissection of old lungs is now complete.. The first new donor lung is now being placed. Vitals still good. Still on H/L bypass......will get another call around 11pm. ....still a ways Togo.....reports are sounding a bit the same but it is a long transplant surgery. There is a large team of remarkably skilled folks helping her. Her transplant surgeon did her first one which was important to Emily and us. We have a lot of faith in his skills and the team working with him......we remain in awe of the donors gift and hope the donors family and friends are doing as well as possible...keith....plz tell others about this. FB isn’t working for us. Also blog seems stubborn to refresh.

Update 8:00 pm

Update from OR. Emily’s first set of donor lungs have almost been removed & her new donor’s lungs are almost ready for transplant. The OR nurse reports her vitals are stable.
As always our strong brave Emily has met this new challenge, which she sometimes describes as “my
body at war”, with her usual grace and strength.
Thanks to you all for your love & support. It mean so much to her as she heals & recovers & breathes
And also to Keith and I through these long hours.
Love Peg

Update

7:45  Update from OR. Emily’s first donor lungs are almost removed and new donor lungs almost ready to be transplanted. Nurse reports Emily’s vitals are stable. As always our lovely brave girl is
fighting this battle, which she once called “her body at war” with grace and dignity.
Thank you all of you for your messages of love and support. All these things will comfort her to read as she heals ... and breathes. Peg

Update.....5:50pm 11.08.2019

Got a call from OR a few minutes ago. The removal of Emily’s existing lungs is being a slow and arduous surgery, as expected. She is on heart/lung bypass also as expected. It seemed that things are going as projected......a second surgical team will be working on the donors lungs...we are deeply grateful for their loving kindness of donating their organs that enables Emily and others a chance to continue to live. No further time estimate now......more later as we learn ....keith & peg.

Update....3:30 pm 11.8.2019

just got a call from the OR....decision just made Tx is a go...Clock starts now on estimated 10hours surgery...maybe longer hopefully less.....Emily is gonna want to hear from folks and will love reading real time comments. Plz sign them. Next hours will be a grind and this is a gravely dangerous time...we believe in good thoughts, hopes, prayers or whatever it is that moves you....we should hear from the OR in a couple of hours. I’ll post again.......FB link seems not t beworking. Plz let folks know of blog.

Update Friday 1:40 pm by keith

Update: After long day of prep Emily was just transported from ICU to surgical prep area. This is a an area of serious activity....no wasted time....the pace really picked up.....met anthesiollgist...lots of final questions and starting meds. Much caution about still could be dry run and that this is gonna be much harder than first Tx. Very challenging to remove old lungs. Estimate of 10+ hours if a go...we will get a call when it’s a go..     Emily was strong and alert and ready for this.....Will try to post a update every few hours and hopefully this links to Ems FB.

Update Friday morning.

8:45 am Friday. Posted by Keith. After fast drive up and arrival about mid night. Quite a bit of prep. Blood draws etc.  Now waiting in ICU. Emily sorta sleeping. Tx hopefully early afternoon noon. Not a sure thing til last moment. Could still be a dry run. All dressed up and no where to go. We will to update thru the day. Plz tell friends and family where to find blog.

The Call

I got the call for lungs at 5 o'clock on November 7, 2019!!! My newest birthday. I must have been a cat in a past life; I certainly have at least nine lives. 

I am now up at UWMC in Seattle finally checked in and “tucked in” as they like to say. 

As of now my surgery is scheduled for noon. 

It has been a very long night; we are all exhausted. 

After getting the call we frantically packed, loaded up the truck, and made the drive to Seattle in record time. We arrived here just after midnight and it has been not stop since then to get me admitted  and all the pre-testing done. Hopefully now I can get a few hours sleep before the chaos of being prepped for surgery begins. 

We will keep updating as things unfold. Thank you all for your good wishes, prayers, positive thoughts, juju, vibes, love, and any other energy you are sending my way!!

Please also keep the donor and the donors family in your heart; my gain does mean another families loss. Such is the weird transplant circle of life. 

~ emily 

💜🦄🍑🌹