SHE HAS A HEART OF GOLD

In late September of 2012, Suzanne Schane was getting ready to go to work, at her position as a flight attendant for American Airlines. At only 41, friendly and vivacious, the most dire health issue to which she likely had given thought was whether or not to get a flu shot that fall. She was putting on her uniform and, the next thing Suzanne remembers were firemen and paramedics breaking down her door. Suzanne had suffered a serious, massive stroke and surmises that she must have gained consciousness, just long enough to dial 911. Fortunately, Suzanne had insurance through her employer and, surrounded by her family, spent time in the hospital and in physical/occupational therapy, locally in the DFW area. After a time, her parents packed up her apartment and moved her back to Arkansas, to live with them and to concentrate on her recovery. As is often the case in western medicine, especially in the United States today, recoveries are driven by and paid for, in accordance with insurance actuarial tables. Many times, this is not in accordance with the patient's internal recovery schedule. Such is Suzanne's position.
A friend, and a coworker of Suzanne's, has a son who suffered a stroke at birth. Having received many diagnoses and prognoses, and travelled many treatment paths over the years, Matthew, (by all evidence a normal, outgoing and typical teenager), is currently being treated with scalp acupuncture, by a specialist in New Mexico. Having experienced excellent results, Tracy suggested to Suzanne that she investigate this type of acupuncture as a way to continue her recovery, beyond what was expected by conventional medicine. Suzanne has decided to move in that direction and is scheduled for an evaluation at the end of March. Unfortunately, while her insurance does cover acupuncture, it doesn't cover it out-of-state, and practitioners of scalp acupuncture are not common, nor existent in every state. Even with insurance, many of us know the nightmare of out-of-control medical bills. Without insurance, we don't even want to comprehend how they can spiral exponentially. With those thoughts, ever in the back of Suzanne's mind, her friends have gathered together in the effort to support her, both emotionally and financially. That's what friends do and that is the purpose of this fund, to provide some financial backing, so that Suzanne can free her mind of worry and concentrate on her further recovery. No one ever expects to be in this situation and are hardly prepared, insured or not. Suzanne hasn't worked since September; therefore her resources are fairly well depleted. Small amounts, from a large number of people, can provide Suzanne with peace of mind and a means to recover as fully as possible and won't leave it up to the insurance companies to decide at what point her recovery ends. If you can find it in your heart to forego a fancy coffee drink, a trip to the manicurist or a night at the movies, and contribute to a wonderful and worthwhile cause, it would be so greatly appreciated. If not, your kind thoughts and well wishes are appreciated, as well.  Thank you all and God Bless!