A 33-year-old mother of three, Rachel Pedeaux, remains in a coma at a South Florida hospital after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest attributed to an undiagnosed congenital heart condition, as reported by her family.
Rachel collapsed the morning after Thanksgiving while visiting her parents in South Florida, having traveled from her home in New Orleans. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that she has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a condition that interferes with the heart’s electrical conduction system and often goes unnoticed for years.
Tragically, the cardiac event led to a severe hypoxic brain injury, placing her in a coma for over a month. Currently, Rachel has been moved from South Miami Hospital to Kindred Hospital in Coral Gables, a facility specializing in long-term care. Medical professionals are working on gradually weaning her off a respirator. Recently, her family reported a significant milestone: Rachel has begun to breathe on her own, a development they view as a hopeful sign.
While Rachel remains unconscious, MRI scans have indicated that some regions of her brain remain undamaged, providing cautious optimism for her potential recovery. The path ahead will likely involve extensive neurological rehabilitation and ongoing cardiac care.
Her parents, John and Maria Rodaz, who are prominent figures in Miami’s arts scene as founders of the Area Stage Theatre Company & Conservatory, are maintaining a constant presence at her bedside while also caring for Rachel’s three young children.
To assist with the considerable costs associated with Rachel’s treatment, which include many uninsured expenses, a friend of the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. This effort aims to alleviate financial burdens, allowing the family to concentrate on Rachel’s recovery and the needs of her children.
“This has been devastating for our family,” said Maria Banda-Rodaz. “But we are holding onto hope and are deeply grateful for every prayer, every message, and every act of kindness. We have faith that Rachel will be able to come back to her husband and three little children.”
Through sharing Rachel’s story, her family hopes to heighten awareness about the risks associated with undiagnosed heart conditions, which can emerge unexpectedly and lead to life-threatening situations.
If you like to donate… https://www.gofundme.com/f/lift-up-the-rodaz-family-in-their-time-of-need
The post Mother of Three in Coma After Cardiac Arrest: A Call for Awareness on Congenital Heart Conditions appeared on South Florida Theater.
