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Luci Baines Johnson returns home to recuperate
Luci Baines Johnson has returned to her Austin home after being treated for the rare and serious Guillian-Barre Syndrome at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Johnson and her husband Ian Turpin expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and clergy at Seton Medical Center Austin, where she was first treated April 14 following the first episode of GBS, which can paralyze a patient’s extremities. She also thanked the staff at the Mayo Clinic, where she was flown on April 16.
“They are the best, they gave their best to me and my family and I am eternally grateful,” Johnson said about the two hospitals in a statement today. “No care has been more precious than the prayers of all my family and loved ones some who I have adored for a lifetime and some who have graced my life only because of my parents’ service to our country.”
Like other GBS patients whose symptoms are identified early, Johnson received round-the-clock immunoglobulin treatments in an intensive-care unit. She attracted nationwide support from others who have suffered from the autoimmune syndrome and who required months of rehabilitation.
Among them them was Joe Dunn, a Westlake High School graduate who plans to return to the United States Merchant Marine Academy after a 2009 battle with GBS.
“She’s going to get better,” Dunn said in a message of hope to Johnson last week.
Speculation about Johnson’s possible return raced through the Wildflower Gala at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on Friday. Turpin attended the annual fundraiser, as did Johnson’s sister Lynda Johnson Robb and her niece, Catherine Robb.
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By Michael Tyree
May 25, 2010 4:42 PM | Link to this
Dear Luci,
I am praying for you. I know you have the strength to make it through this and come out stronger than ever! I was tickled to see that we are both Catholics. God bless you, Ian and all your family! I am out of work and could use a prayer or two myself. Lots of love from an LBJ era baby (born in 1967).
Michael Tyree
By Ray A.Griffin
May 17, 2010 4:26 PM | Link to this
I am so thankful that Luci is doing better and has gone home to be with her family. My prayers are with her and the family.
Luci, take care of yourself! We want you to be here with us as long as Lady Bird was here with us and that was a long time. She lived a great life.
Praying for you,
Ray A. Griffin,
Houston, TX
By AjaxRides at Dawn
May 5, 2010 3:32 PM | Link to this
"Rehab" ??? Unfortunate choice of words for a headline. "Treatment" perhaps?
By Speedy Recovery
May 5, 2010 1:54 PM | Link to this
We are wishing Luci a speedy recovery. Welcome home.
By Chang
May 5, 2010 10:14 AM | Link to this
Glad to hear, the good news. Thank you.