The Wives Across The Hall

8.The Wives {assigned L-even start}

TheWivesTheWives Across Acrossthe the theHall Hall

The unexpected friendship bonded on the faith of two families 9.The Wives and their incredible battle against Covid-19

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA ARNOLD

STUDIO PHOTOS BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

Slow mechanical beeps, small and steady gushes of air, and the whirling roar of helicopter rotors are sounds that are all too familiar to Sharon Senn. For Sharon, all of these sounds reflect her experience in the ICU at Louisiana State University Hospital in Shreveport while awaiting for updates from doctors regarding the worsening condition of her husband, Ryan.

Originally from Capetown, South Africa, Sharon and her family moved to the United States in 1984, when she was just 12 years old. Though the move resulted in quite a bit of culture shock at first, Sharon integrated into life in 10.The WivesRuston, eventually finding a passion for the medical field and becoming a nurse for various hospitals around northern Louisiana. It was her job as a nurse at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center that introduced her to her favorite person and future husband, Ryan Senn. She first encountered him while he was working as a Nurse Tech in the E.R. “We were really good friends at the time,” Sharon recalled. “I always thought he was a sweetheart. He was just precious to me, and he just had the sweetest, kindest smile.”

Eventually, the pair tied the knot in 2008. The couple had Shae, Sharon’s then 5-yearold daughter from a previous marriage, and also welcomed a second child named Bre in 2009. Time passed, and life went on as usual. At least until the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic rocked the United States in January of 2020. “It was scary,” Senn described. Working as a nurse in Ruston, Senn encountered The Senn family in the summer of 2020 the virus throughout the beginning of the pandemic and witnessed the impact firsthand. “CDC guidelines were changing every day -- it was crazy,” Sharon said. From interacting with sick patients to aiding hospital staff, Sharon was often, yet safely exposed to the damaging aftermath of the virus. For the meantime, COVID seemed as if it could be at least held back at an arm’s length from her own family.

Though she had experienced COVID everyday as a nurse, the devastating effects of the virus didn’t hit home until Friday, October 30. “Ryan works with kids, and I remember him coming home and telling me that he was exposed to a child who tested positive for COVID earlier that day,” Sharon said.

Initially, the news was taken lightly. “The first thing that I did was laugh it off,” said Sharon. “I didn’t think it was going to be bad. I just told him that everything would be alright, and to just take a shower and rinse off and he would be fine.” Later on that weekend, on Sunday November, Ryan officially tested positive for COVID.

Without any serious record of illness or any pre-existing conditions, Sharon only expected Ryan to be sick for a handful of days. The first two days consisted of body

The Senn family during a mission trip to Zambia with a few of the children they came to love.

aches, followed by migraines on days three and four. Overall, later on November 11, there was one phrase that Ryan stated Ryan primarily experienced flu-like symptoms, but nothing that quickly became a mantra for many following his story: drastic. “COVID can’t kill Superman.” 11.The WivesThough he was ill enough to be temporarily separated from the rest of the family, Ryan wasn’t quite sick enough to warrant a permanent trip to the hospital for treatment. Sharon illustrates: “During the first couple of days when he was sick, we kept him in the back of the house. We hooked up a From the start, Ryan faced several obstacles regarding his spiraling physical state. He was immediately placed on 100% high-flow oxygen in the ICU, and doctors prescribed several medicines, including an antiviral drug to combat the virus. Ryan’s doctors advised Sharon that he would need microwave in the back for him so he could stay separated from access to convalescent plasma, otherwise referred to as “liquid the girls and me up front.” gold.” Convalescent plasma -- blood collected from patients By day 8, Ryan’s health had significantly improved, and it who have recovered from COVID -- has been proven to seemed as if an easy, smooth recovery would shortly follow. significantly aid in the healing of those currently infected. “He even started cleaning his bathroom one day because he “The plasma was in high demand and there wasn’t much out got bored,” Sharon said. there,” Sharon explained. Unfortunately, 10 days after his confirmed diagnosis, Ryan Over the course of a few days, Ryan’s health seriously began began to struggle -- an unexpected and nerve-wracking turn to decline. With no plasma in sight, the doctors delivered more for the family. Using her medical knowledge, Sharon spun into news to Sharon that was another heavy blow: Ryan would need action, keeping a close eye on Ryan’s oxygen saturation levels, to be placed on a ventilator. which began to plummet. For Sharon, the ventilator was a death sentence. As a After several calls to friends, Sharon was able to contact the medical professional, after seeing so many patients become oxygen supplier and had a supply of oxygen delivered to the too dependent on a ventilator to survive after its removal, she Senn family home – miraculously -- within the hour. However, was afraid that the machine designed to help save Ryan would even on a high flow of oxygen, Sharon was alarmed to discover ultimately kill him. that Ryan still had trouble retaining oxygen saturation -- even However, though Sharon’s fear was growing, she refused to while on 5-6 liters of it. let it paralyze her. As Ryan’s state began to grow more desperate, “That day, I knew I had to take him to the emergency she reached out to family, friends, and loved ones, as well as room,” she remembered. “That was probably the worst day of her online community on Facebook. She began to thoroughly my life. I just had to leave him there. I had seen enough people share Ryan’s every health update, as well as marketing Ryan’s get sick...I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to see him again.” specific needs and specific prayer requests. Upon his arrival at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center In the meantime, Sharon’s desperate search for plasma

compelled her to reach out to her brother and retired Navy Hanging up the phone, the search and prayers for finding Seal Commander, Jon Macaskill. After Macaskill implored an ECMO machine, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation peers on LinkedIn and attempted to spread the word about machine, began. At 2 a.m., Sharon contacted her brother once Ryan’s need for plasma. again, and the pair began reaching out to individuals across

Meanwhile, after carefully placing Ryan on the ventilator the internet for any aid in finding an accessible machine. on the morning of November 16, Sharon received a call from The next morning, Sharon woke up to the seemingly his nurse explaining that Ryan’s CO2 levels were critical, and impossible unfolding before her very eyes. “I just laid there by he needed to go to LSUS for further treatment. Bre in our bed, and I started getting phone calls from people

“Friends of ours actually arranged for us to be placed on everywhere. The hospital even called me and told me that they the medical insurance that would cover a helicopter ride, and had received a call from Sweden, where the company who Ryan was life-aired on to LSUS,” Sharon stated. “As soon as he manufactures the machines are located.” arrived at LSUS, Ryan’s cousin graciously opened up her home Miraculously, an available machine was found in New to us in Shreveport, Ryan’s mother, the girls, and I stayed there Jersey. Isaac Leider, owner of VitalOne, an emergency medical while he was in the hospital.” transport company, flew the machine down to LSUS on a Upon his arrival to LSUS, Sharon received some good news LearJet. This tremendous feat was the result of another team in the midst of the chaos: they had found convalescent plasma effort arranged by the Navy SEALs Fund and the Foundation’s for Ryan. She recalled: “The next thing I know I’m getting a CEO Rachel Dzieran. “They raised the money to fly the phone call from the president of LifeShare Blood Centers, machine all the way from New Jersey to Shreveport,” Sharon Chad Douglas.” When Sharon visited Ryan the following day, stated. It seemed as if all of the necessary pieces to save Ryan there was a bag of plasma hanging by his bed, which, thanks had begun to fall into place. to the team effort from many kind-hearted individuals, he Ryan remained on ECMO for 18 days. However, his time received in less than 24 hours. on ECMO proved to be difficult as well, as he went into renal 12.The Wives Throughout the first 9 days of his residence at LSUS, Ryan’s health fluctuated, but began to significantly decline. During this time, he actually extubated himself from his ventilator and came very close to dying,” said Sharon. On November 25, Sharon received a phone call from the doctor. “He told me that failure and had to receive dialysis. Sharon continued to update family and friends about Ryan’s medical journey, and she received a call from a friend all the way from Zambia. “Ryan and I have been on two mission trips to Zambia, and we’re still in contact with his partner, Joshua,” she explained. “He called he needed an ECMO machine, and that if he didn’t get put on a me and we prayed over the phone for at least 30 minutes in machine, he wasn’t going to make it through the day,” she said. the ICU waiting room.” Joshua, Sharon’s brother, her friends,

Ryan Senn being airlifted to Ochsner, Shreveport

loved ones, and all of the “friends of friends” developed a However, according to Kylie, there was one moment in community that surrounded the couple when they needed it particular where she knew for sure Blake was “the one.” “We most. both have a huge passion for LSU football, and he was given Little to her knowledge, Sharon still had one friend tickets to an LSU game,” Kylie explained, smiling. “We traveled left to meet that would be one of her greatest sources of to the game and on the way there we had SO much fun, and I encouragement throughout Ryan’s sickness. Sharon met Kylie just thought -- ‘this is the kind of guy I want to marry.’” Biddy on December 1, the same day that Ryan had his trach Fortunately, she did. Fast forward seven years, and the put in. family found themselves living a peaceful life on their ranch “I had a friend that’s also originally from Louisiana tell me in Texas. “We have four kids now,” said Kylie. “Blake’s 16-yearabout Ryan’s battle with COVID,” Kylie Biddy, 36-year-old, old son Keegan, our 7-year -old adopted daughter Ana Grace, Louisiana-born, Texas resident recalled. Kylie’s own husband, 5-year-old son Gauge, and 2-year-old adopted daughter Blake, only 35 at the time, was also hospitalized at LSUS Abigail. God put the call for adoption in our hearts.” she said. fighting for his life just a few feet across the hall from Ryan’s Among Kylie’s numerous reasons why she loves Blake, hospital room. “I had seen Sharon coming in and out of Ryan’s there’s one thing in particular that makes her fall in love with hospital room, and we would exchange words and prayers for him all over again. “One thing we always do in our home is both Ryan and Blake.” turn on Alexa and we’ll two-step in the kitchen,” she said. Kylie Biddy and her husband Blake have been happily As 2020 began and COVID snuck its way into the United married for the past seven years. After meeting him at a local States, Kylie and Blake’s original thought was that it wasn’t restaurant that she was working at, she was immediately as serious as many thought it would be. “I have many family attracted to him. She recalled: “I actually already knew his members in the medical field, my mom is actually a nurse,” brother’s wife, and they were having a family meal at the said Kylie. “You know, she of course advised us to wash our restaurant when I first saw him. I was playing on a co-ed hands, wear our masks, and just be careful overall.” 13.The Wives softball team at the time, and I played against his youngest brother who was on the opposing team!” The next day after the game, Blake and his younger brother re-visited the restaurant so Blake could meet Kylie. Not long after, Blake contacted her to ask her out. “On our first date I The stay-at-home order and the aftermath of it was hard on the family. Kylie was surprised to discover that she was expecting their second biological child, but the couple unfortunately lost the baby shortly after. “It was really hard,” she described. On top of that, the family also sold their home actually had a pretty bad cold,” she said, “and he brought me and built another one -- all during the middle of the pandemic. all kinds of cough drops and medicine -- he was so sweet.” The family had only been in their home for about 2 weeks,

The Biddy Family the day of Abigail Biddy’s adoption

Blake with his son Keegan while on ECMO

boxes still left unpacked, when Blake came home from work Like Ryan, Blake needed convalescent plasma, which on November 6th feeling unwell. thankfully came after several perilous hours of waiting. After

Though Blake felt fine at work that day, it was on the remaining there for four days, and exhausting all of the medical evening commute home when he slowly began to feel sick. options to help heal Blake, Kylie received what she described “We actually had friends coming over for dinner that night as one of the worst phone calls of her life. and he felt so bad that he just showered and laid on the couch, “The nurse practitioner said: ‘He’s gonna be intubated and which isn’t like him,” Kylie stated. After realizing that Blake placed on a ventilator, I need you to collect yourself, and put had a fever, Kylie recalled: “He just looked at me and said ‘...I your kids on FaceTime because he is panicking’.” Tearfully, 14.The Wivesjust don’t feel right.’” Later that night, Blake began exhibiting serious symptoms of COVID. From weakness, to body aches, to shortness of breath. After quickly arriving at Hospitality Medical Center in Longview, Texas, medical staff gave him a banana bag, along Kylie explained: “It was hard, you know. It was good for him to see the kids, but it was hard for the kids to see him that way.” According to Kylie, the nurse then explained that they needed to discuss “the hard thing.” She informed Kylie that Blake needed a machine called ECMO. “I asked her what the with several medicines and vitamins to help boost his immune side effects of the ECMO machine are, and she just stated: ‘the system. “We went home with 13 prescriptions,” she said. After side effect of not getting treatment from this machine is that returning home and starting home treatment, however, Blake’s he’s going to die’.” health began to take a turn for the worse. After multiple calls to hospitals and doctors for an available

“I brought him back to the Hospitality E.R. after two days, bed and machine, the search grew grim until they discovered and they advised us to send him to an overnight monitoring an availability at LSUS. facility,” Kylie recalled. Here, Blake received an additional Blake was airlifted to LSUS on November 18, and was dosage of vitamins as well as another banana bag to help him placed on ECMO on November 20. During his time on ECMO, regain his strength. “After that, we went home for two days Kylie described that there were “okay days, bad days, and awful again, and he actually started feeling better. He worked for days.” Minute to minute, there was no telling what all could a little bit on the computer, but then afterwards he felt really happen, and everything almost did happen. Kylie explained: drained,” said Kylie. “They had to temporarily stop his heart to get it back at a

Seeing Blake’s physical health decline was difficult for regular beat, he underwent an ECMO exchange three different Kylie because, like Ryan Senn, he had no prior health issues or times -- his backup battery even failing at one point, and his medical conditions. She remembers: “Throughout the entire ventilator even failed suddenly while I was still in the room.” time we’ve been married, I’ve only seen Blake sick once, and it But the extent of Blake’s medical conundrums didn’t end was the stomach bug.” there. Though ECMO is designed to help heal a person’s lungs,

Once Blake’s oxygen levels reached 78%, Kylie knew Blake it can also cause a severe amount of stress on other vital organs needed emergency medical attention. After revisiting the -- like the heart. “Blake actually had right-sided heart failure Hospitality Medical Center again, Blake was sent to Regional while on ECMO,” stated Kylie. In addition, Blake also had a Medical Center on November 14 in Longview, Texas, and was staggering tower of 11 different IVs that he was connected to. moved to the ICU unit within a couple of hours. “To see the strongest guy you know be the sickest guy you

Kylie and Blake the day before Blake was released

know...it’s heart-wrenching,” Kylie reflected. “But I cannot donations of financial support as well. “I came home one day say enough words about Blake’s medical staff. They were and literally someone had sent about $500 anonymously. And phenomenal.” we just want to say thank you and we love you to whoever did One thing that got both Kylie and Sharon through the that for us,” she said. hardest days is the outstanding community that encouraged, Sharon and Kylie also made sure to give back to the prayed for, and supported them. From receiving groceries to community that supported them, too. “People wanted to help feed their families, friends mowing their lawns, family offering us in the beginning, and we weren’t sure at first how to receive to watch their children, receiving encouraging texts and phone the overflowing amount of help. We as a family are doers, and 15.The Wivescalls, as well as the overwhelming online presence to spread the word and support Ryan and Blake -- and the generosity didn’t stop there. “We can’t even begin to keep up with all of the various acts of kindness and compassion we have received,” said Kylie. we really wanted to give back to the nurses and medical staff,” Kylie said. Thus, ”Biddy Tribe,” an idea created between Kylie, Kylie’s mother Paula, and Jessie, Kylie’s close friend, was born. The Tribe began raising money, and Kylie and Jessie began planning the meals for Blake’s medical team. “Jessie and my Sharon described one significant act of kindness from loved mom have been my rock -- the whole Biddy Tribe has been ones during the Christmas holidays. “We usually decorate our my rock,” Kylie stated. “Our friends have held it down. We are house for Christmas, but we weren’t able to this year with Ryan so blessed.” being so sick. But one day we came home from the hospital The movement even inspired local restaurants to donate and our house was completely lit up,” she recalled. “The MICU meals to the hospital floor where Blake was located, and staff even surprised the kids with a basket full of Christmas tumblers were also made in support of Blake and were given presents! They treated us like their own family, and we will to the medical staff at each facility he resided. forever be grateful to them.” Kylie and Blake’s children also got In total, Blake visited six different facilities in his fight a special Christmas surprise which an effort put together by with COVID. According to his needs, Blake bounced from the community of Jefferson, where Blake is originally from. Hospitality E.R., Hospitality’s overnight monitoring facility, “We received gift cards, and Santa and Mrs. Claus even came Regional Medical Center, LSU Medical Center, PAM of to our home!” Shreveport, and then Willis-Knighton Rehab Facility. Kylie For the Senn family, that wasn’t the only overwhelming act reflected: “At each facility they treated him like family and of kindness they were given. A friend of the couple started a royalty. They treated him so well, and I think it really prepared Go-Fund-Me for Ryan, and that’s how the family was still able him for his transition to come home.” to pay bills while Ryan was in the hospital and Sharon was Though the community surrounding the two men and unable to work. their families gave Sharon and Kylie encouragement and Likewise, when Blake’s 36th birthday occurred while he was support, both women agree that it was their Christian faith hospitalized, Kylie recalled, “I bought decorations and Blake’s that gave them something to cling to when all hope felt lost. wonderful night nurse Natalie helped decorate his room with “God saved him so many times,” Kylie reflected, tearfully. banisters and balloons for him and we had his birthday party Likewise, Sharon also voiced: “Literally, God is the only thing at the hospital.” The Biddy family even received numerous that got us through this, and Ryan and I both knew that this

Ryan and Sharon Senn’s reunion with with Ochsner staff that cared for him

was going to give God the glory--it was horrible--but God was Biddy family. gonna see us through it.” And finally, after a total of 125 days in the hospital, 68

Perhaps the sweetest community that helped the two days on ECMO, and a loss of over 80 pounds, Blake finally families endure is the quickly formed yet deeply rooted returned home as well. Little to Blake’s knowledge, he would friendship between Sharon and Kylie. From long nights in be coming home to a celebration. “When we left rehab, the 16.The Wiveshospital waiting rooms, to encouraging texts and calls, to crying and praying with one another in the hallway, the women’s friendship blossomed in the midst of one of the darkest moments of their lives. Kylie lovingly described Sharon weather was dreary, but by the time we got home the sun was shining and there was a sea of people waiting with signs to greet him. Groups of our family, friends, and people following his story created a warm homecoming for him, and it was very encouraging her after Ryan achieved a new milestone of his emotional for both of us,” Kylie described. “He didn’t realize recovery: “Any time Ryan got better or improved she would how many people he impacted with his journey.” just keep praying and telling me ‘Blake is next! Y’all are next!’.” Currently in recovery at home, Kylie describes how happy

For Sharon, there’s one significant moment where she saw he was to see their new house set up as a home -- boxes her prayers for Ryan’s recovery coming to life before her eyes. unpacked and belongings arranged. “The first thing he did “He FaceTimed the kids and I from his hospital room and was devour tacos from a local place here in Harletown called quietly mouthed the words: ‘I love you. I’m gonna be okay.’ Wright On Taco. Later on that day he fed our cows and watched And then he pointed up to the ceiling and said ‘God’s got me’,” our kids fish in the pond for about an hour,” said Kylie. “It was she said. the most peace that we’ve felt in months.”

Similarly, Kylie witnessed an incredible moment for Blake Though the two have never met, Ryan and Blake both have during his time connected to the ECMO machine. “Blake was a connection forged from the one shared between their wives. on ECMO for 68 days, and on day 61 he stood up out of bed Kylie illustrated: “There was one time when Blake actually while still attached to the machine -- if that gives you any idea coded in the hospital, and Ryan could hear it from across the of how strong of a fighter he is.” hallway and started immediately praying for Blake.” Because

Then, miraculously, after a total of 66 days fighting in the both men are still in recovery, they have yet to meet each other, hospital, losing over 60 pounds in two months, Ryan began but look forward to meeting one another in the future. to recover. After 4 days free of the ECMO machine, Ryan left The journey shared between the Senn family and the Biddy the dreary halls of the ICU unit on December 18, and was family was a perilous one, with an awe-inspiring story that’s transferred to Ruston Regional for rehabilitation, where he still being written. When describing what helped Sharon remained for a month doing physical therapy, speech therapy, and Kylie persevere during some of the darkest moments in and occupational therapy. Though Blake was in the hospital their lives, there were two things that they both agreed were for a longer period of time, the Senn family continued to pray the most important: the overwhelming support from the for, support, and encourage others to pray for and support the community that surrounded them, and their Christian faith.

The Biddy children The day Blake walked out of rehab to finally come home March 17, 2021

For Sharon, there are two Bible verses that she leaned on one fighting with COVID, reminding them: “Whatever you constantly: Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 23. Kylie also has her may think, you are not alone. It’s so important to remember own verses from scripture that she held close to her as well: that you aren’t alone,” she stated. “Even if you may not have Exodus 14:4, 2 Samuel 22:17-20, and Isaiah 43:1-3. The Old a family or friends to lean on, you still have the medical staff Testament story of Moses parting the waters profoundly attempting to save your loved one, and it’s SO important to 17.The Wivesresonated with her during Blake’s most critical moments. Though their own spiritual beliefs helped the two women tremendously, Sharon and Kylie are aware that not everyone shares the same spiritual perspectives. When asked what connect with them.” Marvelously, the end of Sharon and Kylie’s story is a happy one. Unfortunately, not everyone has had the same fortunate fate. Their hearts are heavy for others who have lost loved advice they would give to someone with a loved one in the ones from COVID, or are currently witnessing them suffering same unfortunate struggle as Ryan and Blake, the two shared through it. Though COVID sent devastating shockwaves advice that was both encouraging and attainable. of loss and grief across the globe, Sharon and Kylie both Attempting to create a healthy amount of positivity was encourage others to cling to hope, community, and if they an important factor that Sharon implemented right from the desire -- to God. “I can do all things through Christ who start. “I was determined that there was never going to be any strengthens me,” Sharon quoted from one of her Bible favorite negativity in Ryan’s room,” she said. “I put up photos of our verses, Philippians 4:13. family and talked positively to him and would reassure him as For the two families, life after the beginning of COVID is much as possible.” The family photos also helped the medical drastically different, yet still remains the same in many small staff connect with the Senn family as a whole, because they ways. The ripples of fear and sorrow have slowly, gradually got the perspective of them as begun to fade away, and are replaced with overflowing Students from Blake and Kylie’s Sunday school class lined the people, not just as patients. Likewise, Kylie elaborates thankfulness, gratitude, and awe. Time has crawled on, and everyday Ryan and Blake’s strength rebuilds. Tears and smiles roads to welcome further, advising those who feel have come and gone, but one thing that remains unshakable is home Blake isolated while watching a loved the unconditional love shared within each family. Now, the continuous and overwhelming sounds of mechanical beeps from hospital machines and roaring helicopters have faded into mere echoes. Instead, they are replaced with the sounds of hopeful laughter. As Sharon told Ryan’s story, she was reminded of his mantra, and grinned. It would appear that COVID can’t kill Superman after all.

Because Mom’s story deserves to be told

18.Britt Elizabeth

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