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Hollie Craig’s life took a drastic turn on June 5 when the 35-year-old nursing facility employee suffered a cardiac arrest.

“The cause of the cardiac arrest is unknown,” Kelly Seabolt of Albemarle, her sister, said, “but she went about 10 minutes with no oxygen.”

EMS was able to restart her heart and transport her to Atrium Health-Cabarrus, where she spent the next three weeks in the intensive care unit, with all but the final two days on life support.

“She has been breathing on her own for about a week now,” said Seabolt, “but it (the cardiac arrest) caused anoxic brain trauma. As a result, she is going to need around-the-clock care.”

Seabolt, her mother Jennifer Bost of Mt. Pleasant and grandmother Janet Lee of Salisbury, are currently taking shifts sitting with Hollie to provide encouragement and moral support.

“She has done well with physical therapy,” Seabolt said, “and she has already done some things they (the doctors) told us she probably wouldn’t be able to do.”

Although her sister’s care is the family’s primary concern for now, the care of her four children, who range in age from 1 to 14, is also a major consideration, says Seabolt.

“With school starting back in the fall, they are going to need clothes and class supplies,” she said.

To assist with medical expenses not covered by insurance, in addition to providing for the children, Seabolt said that family friend Tabitha Tucker has arranged for a benefit pancake breakfast to take place on July 10 at Highway 55 restaurant, at 750 Leonard Ave., Albemarle.

“Tickets are $7 each, and must be purchased in advance,” said Seabolt. “The event will run from 7 to 10 a.m., and we will need to sell at least 100 tickets in order to make it happen.”

Plates will include pancakes, a choice of sausage or bacon, and a choice of orange juice, tea or soft drink. Dine-in or take-out options are available to ticket holders.

Those needing further information, or who are interested in purchasing tickets, should contact Kelly Seabolt at 980-777-3781.