Help Amanda Regain Sense of Smell
Donation protected
On November 7, 2013, my friend Amanda fell and hit her head, suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). She was rushed by ambulance to the ER, where doctors induced a coma and put her on life support. After a week of hemorrhaging within her brain, her doctors performed a life-saving surgery called a craniotomy to relieve pressure from her brain in order to prevent further brain damage.
When Amanda awoke three weeks later, she needed to undergo months of physical, cognitive, and psychological therapy plus several further surgeries.
The first year of recovery was super challenging; she dealt with constant dizziness and TBI-induced anxiety, headaches, and PTSD. While she still faces these issues, her symptoms have greatly improved.
Sadly, one symptom did not improve: her anosmia. Anosmia is the lack of a sense of smell, and is a common symptom following a traumatic brain injury.
Amanda’s doctors said her sense of smell could possibly return within 6-12 months. At the one-year anniversary of her injury, Amanda began to lose hope of regaining her sense of smell. Her neurologists told her that it was unlikely she would regain her sense of smell, and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
She was unable to accept that she might never again enjoy the aromas of a fresh-cooked meal, flowers in spring-time, or the crisp air on a fall day. More importantly, she feared that she would not be able to detect life-threatening dangers such as smoke or dangerous gases.
So she began to research anosmia treatment. She was elated when she came across an article about a clinic that treats patients suffering from anosmia post-TBI. The Taste and Smell Clinic, located in Washington, DC, is the only clinic within the US that has successfully treated post-TBI anosmia.
I have always known Amanda to be passionate about cooking good food and appreciating nature. She often remarks that neither are the same since losing her ability to smell. Regaining her sense of smell would mean the world to her.
We would like to help Amanda begin treatment as soon as possible. To be treated, Amanda will need to travel to Washington, D. C. and stay for a week to complete a series of tests and treatments. To get her to DC and to pay for the treatment, we need to raise $10,300.
UPDATE: Amanda's insurance will most likely cover her MRI and related fees, and she has been offered several places to stay for the duration of her treatment in DC, bringing the total amount needed down to $5500!
Below is a cost breakdown for the trip and treatment:
If Amanda pays for her treatment in advance, the total cost of tests and treatment will be reduced.
Please share this campaign within your networks and, if you are able, please donate. Any amount, no matter how small, will help Amanda on her path to recovery from this traumatic accident.
For information on how anosmia affects everyday life:
“The Nose May Not Know What It’s Missing” - NY Times
“Failing The Sniff Test: The Nose, Ruined” - NY Times
“The Sense We Take for Granted”
When Amanda awoke three weeks later, she needed to undergo months of physical, cognitive, and psychological therapy plus several further surgeries.
The first year of recovery was super challenging; she dealt with constant dizziness and TBI-induced anxiety, headaches, and PTSD. While she still faces these issues, her symptoms have greatly improved.
Sadly, one symptom did not improve: her anosmia. Anosmia is the lack of a sense of smell, and is a common symptom following a traumatic brain injury.
Amanda’s doctors said her sense of smell could possibly return within 6-12 months. At the one-year anniversary of her injury, Amanda began to lose hope of regaining her sense of smell. Her neurologists told her that it was unlikely she would regain her sense of smell, and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
She was unable to accept that she might never again enjoy the aromas of a fresh-cooked meal, flowers in spring-time, or the crisp air on a fall day. More importantly, she feared that she would not be able to detect life-threatening dangers such as smoke or dangerous gases.
So she began to research anosmia treatment. She was elated when she came across an article about a clinic that treats patients suffering from anosmia post-TBI. The Taste and Smell Clinic, located in Washington, DC, is the only clinic within the US that has successfully treated post-TBI anosmia.
I have always known Amanda to be passionate about cooking good food and appreciating nature. She often remarks that neither are the same since losing her ability to smell. Regaining her sense of smell would mean the world to her.
We would like to help Amanda begin treatment as soon as possible. To be treated, Amanda will need to travel to Washington, D. C. and stay for a week to complete a series of tests and treatments. To get her to DC and to pay for the treatment, we need to raise $10,300.
UPDATE: Amanda's insurance will most likely cover her MRI and related fees, and she has been offered several places to stay for the duration of her treatment in DC, bringing the total amount needed down to $5500!
Below is a cost breakdown for the trip and treatment:
If Amanda pays for her treatment in advance, the total cost of tests and treatment will be reduced.
Please share this campaign within your networks and, if you are able, please donate. Any amount, no matter how small, will help Amanda on her path to recovery from this traumatic accident.
For information on how anosmia affects everyday life:
“The Nose May Not Know What It’s Missing” - NY Times
“Failing The Sniff Test: The Nose, Ruined” - NY Times
“The Sense We Take for Granted”
Organizer and beneficiary
Amaya Evers
Organizer
Oakland, CA
Amanda Stephenson
Beneficiary
