Vet, Nurse & Cancer Survivor Battles Black Fungus

Pictured is our mother and newlywed Maria Ojeda (formerly Ramos-Harvey). We wish this picture was of her safely sleeping at home, but it is her heavily medicated to avoid the pain and in the care of a team of doctors at Stanford Hospital. She has undergone four surgeries to remove facial bones, tissues, and cartilage infected by what is commonly known as “black fungus”. Although she is cognizant and aware her ability to speak has been impacted by a damaged nerve and will require therapy to regain. This week after a 12-hour surgery followed by another 6-hour surgery she is awaiting the results of another culture to see if the mucormycosis has invaded the perimeters of the debrided areas. Survival will take numerous surgeries and multiple therapies over the next few years. We are confident that given the continued antifungal meds and healthcare that she will recover just as she did after beating breast cancer.

How this happened we don’t know. She was on a traveling nurse assignment in Arroyo Grande (near Pismo Beach). On November 15, she was found close to death in her rented casita by the property owner and a family friend, Luz. She was treated at Arroyo Grande Hospital and underwent her first surgery at neighboring Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. She was transported shortly after to Stanford Hospital and had a few more surgeries. She was in a medically induced coma due to the pain yesterday, November 26, but is awake and alert today. Fortunately, as of now the infection has not surfaced to her skin and reconstruction is possible for quality of life.

She has not been without family members by her side. Her closest friends Carrie and Sherry, who are also nurses, have helped her fight by assisting her in the hospital and being there for her family. Now what is needed is funding for additional medical and living expenses throughout this journey.

We extend our deepest thanks for any gift and prayer for her.

Sincerely,

Taylor and Allen (children), Desiree (daughter-in-law to be) and Tommy Ojeda (husband)