* Winnebago County Board candidate Angela Fellars on October 30…

Last night, after viewing the video of my candidate interview for WIFR the woman who was my (beloved) doctor through my pregnancies called me.

She said, in an alarmed tone - “Hi. How are the kids? How’s the campaign? But most importantly, Have you been having headaches? Blurred vision? Losing words? Feeling anxious or sad?”

I laughed. “Of course I have. I’m running for office during COVID/Remote Learning/Business Shut-downs, my family and friends are getting threats, there are hit mail pieces, there are protests everywhere, the hospital is closing, the library is closing, I’m needed everywhere at once… and… and…

And then she said - “How long has the left side of your face been doing that? I think you are showing symptoms of a stroke. I need you to go to the ER.”

She was right to be concerned. I was admitted into the hospital last evening. I’m receiving excellent care.

I have health insurance. Early detection is everything. The kids are with their dad and Jenni and they’re loved and safe. I’m going to be better than ok.

But it’s a wake up call for sure. I want to write a big, long essay on the importance of self-care for everyone, especially parents and community activists, and another on how we have got to stop being so Goddamned ok with the Goddamned cruelty in this city, and another on how it’s BS that a hospital publicly cutting services and staff is privately so full and understaffed that I was admitted to a private waiting room loveseat instead of a hospital bed - because there were no beds.

Instead of essays, I’m calling all of you to action. Please use these last 4 days to convince everyone you know to vote. Drive them there. Volunteer for a candidate. Make calls. Deliver literature. Then call your friends and make sure they’re ok. Tell everyone they’re important. Above all, be kind to yourself and others.

The election is in 4 days. Healthcare, libraries, schools, restaurants and other small businesses, real public safety, kindness and civility are on the ballot. Please, please vote.

Because if I come out of this with MORE work to do because people let cruelty and abuse take MORE power, y’all are getting the mom finger. 💚💙

* October 31…

Update:
I’m home from the hospital. When I was released Mercy (New campus) still didn’t have any available beds. (I don’t even know how to process that reality.) So much love and light to all of the people in there and to the nurses, doctors and staff too. (I’ll write about that after the elections)

I’m still “in line” waiting for a call letting me know an MRI is available. I might need a ride for that depending on when it happens.

Dan & Jenni still have the kids. I miss them. I’m doing ok.

I need help. It’s hard for me to ask for that because I know how busy and overwhelmed everyone is. But I don’t feel well enough to drive and I’m still having some difficulties with some basic things and with pain.

The most urgent/timely thing after health/kids is that me being sick meant that some crucial campaign items went undone. They are things that can still be done other ways, but I can’t do it alone.

This is GOTV (Get Out the Vote) weekend - If you’ve ever wanted to help out but were not sure how this is your moment! You do not have to live in the district to help. All costs will be covered.

And then she went on to list the things she needed people to do. (Also, the hospital didn’t have any beds partly because the pandemic is so intensely bad in that area, she told me today).

* Late last night…

We did it! We did it! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Thank you so much to everyone who #ShowedUpAF for this campaign - I’m so thankful for everyone who cheered, volunteered, donated, and especially for those of you who voted.

I’m humbled and honored to be your Representative Elect of the 19th District.

I’ll write a more formal statement tomorrow - I just didn’t want to go to sleep without saying thank you.

Fellars told me she’s still not formally diagnosed, but that her neurologist suspects “I’ve had a series of mini-strokes since May.”