Covid19 Survivor

Hi my name is Sherry and today is my birthday! I'm 56 years old and lucky to still be here. Last November 2021 I was rushed by ambulance unconscious and barely clinging to life where I was admitted into ICU and put in a medically induced coma... and tested positive for Covid 19. Before I got sick I was a strong, healthy woman with a successful career working 50-60 hours a week. I always worked hard and was very generous to my family and friends and even volunteered at our local homeless shelter.

Then on Nov. 15th my life changed. I was on a ventilator and fighting for my life for 6 weeks until I woke up on Christmas Day.  I had a tracheotomy and unable to speak.  I didn't know how close I came to dying until the hospital staff called me a "Miracle".  I had to learn how to walk, talk, write my name and feed myself and I was a stranger in my own body.  I suffered from severe neuropathy in both hands from being strapped down to the bed.  I didn't have a clue the battle I was facing to recover but I also didn't realize how much I would lose and it started immediately.  I lost my job, my health insurance, then I lost my car and even my home.  Next I began to lose my confidence and my memory.  My lung muscles are paralyzed, my diaphram is elevated and putting pressure on my heart. I've been diagnosed with PTSD from being in the coma for so long.   It took 9 months before I finally got an appt with a Pulminary Specialist.   I realized that even though fighting for my life wasn't easy... fighting to recover would be another huge battle but I'm grateful God didn't take me.

I applied for Disability on Jan 11th but so far my application is still in process. I am lucky to have family and friends supporting me until my disability comes through.  I have never asked for help, but today I am.  I'm hoping one day I will go back to work... but today I need help. Thank you for reading my story and I truly appreciate your help up.