On April 8th, 2025, Sakura “Saki” Barrientos experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. She has served her country as a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserve, and her community as a registered nurse (since 2012) and dedicated wrestling team Mom, cheer team Mom, jiu jitsu Mom, and photographer/videographer/crafter. She is a beloved wife to husband, Ed Barrientos, and dedicated mother to daughters, Kaela and Leia. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her would attest to her gentle, nurturing, humble, yet strong and tenacious spirit. Not to mention her humor and sarcasm which are so characteristic of her! This woman is amazing!
On the date of her cerebral event, Saki was working as a nurse. She was rushed to the ICU and remained there for several days while her family was unclear of her future and prognosis. She underwent an emergency craniectomy to relieve pressure on her brain. Saki was unconscious and unresponsive for several days. She has since been transferred to a specialty rehab facility where she receives occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapies on a daily basis. She is now conscious and able to respond, eat, and ambulate given maximum support from her family and care team.
Saki has dedicated her time, energy, and resources to every community she and her family have been a part of. Though she has made tremendous progress since the date of her incident, her battle is unfortunately far from over. Her healing will require continued occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapies as well as multiple tests, labs, appointments, and an additional surgery once the site of her trauma has healed. She will also require adaptive equipment for home once she is discharged. This is where we can all help return the dedication Saki has shown her family, friends, community, and country.
Thank you to all those who have already shown their support to the Barrientos family. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have been so deeply appreciated. Please share and continue to keep this wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers.
KEEP FIGHTING, SAKI!
