Help Support Colleen Through Her Healing Journey

INTRODUCTION

This fundraiser is for my sister, Colleen Fitts (Rankin)—a woman with one of the kindest, most giving hearts you could ever meet. If you know Colleen, you know she is the first person to step up when someone is in need. She has spent countless hours volunteering at her local food pantry, cooking nearly 70 home-cooked meals a month so that families wouldn’t leave with only dry goods but with the comfort of a warm meal. She has delivered groceries to elderly neighbors, prepared meals in advance for those no longer able to cook for themselves, volunteered to ring the Salvation Army bell, and opened her home to tiny bottle-fed kittens—waking every two hours to keep them alive until they were strong enough for forever homes.

Colleen has always been a giver but now needs help.

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WHAT HAPPENED

In June, Colleen unexpectedly lost her job, through no fault of her own—the job that provided stability, health insurance, disability, and security. In July, her father became gravely ill, and shortly after, she had to say goodbye to him. Then in August, after returning from her father’s funeral, Colleen suffered a terrible fall, fracturing three vertebrae (T11, T12, and L1).

She initially believed she was just exhausted from the fractures and a UTI that was not improving with antibiotics. But upon returning to the doctor, blood tests revealed a Salmonella infection. The UTI antibiotics should also have improved the Salmonella infection, but it was resistant to treatment. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, her condition worsened until doctors placed a midline port so she could receive daily IV antibiotics and fluids.

Through several weeks of daily IV treatment and fluids, she battled fevers, nausea, and vomiting. CT scans were ordered to see if anything else was going on; they showed Pneumonia.

The fractures in her back have left her in constant pain. She can’t stand or walk for more than 10 minutes at a time without severe pain kicking in. Everyday tasks most of us take for granted—showering, cooking, dressing, or even sitting upright—cause her pain and sickness. Her restrictions are overwhelming: no lifting more than 2.5 pounds, no bending, no twisting, and no pushing or pulling. Combined with the IV line, much of her independence has been taken from her.

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WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Because she lost her job, Colleen no longer has disability benefits. The only way to keep her health insurance is through COBRA, which costs over $1,000 a month. On top of that, her doctors have recommended 2–3 hours of home care each day to help with bathing, dressing, cooking, and light housekeeping. That adds up to $735 per week for a minimum of six more weeks—far more than she can afford while also struggling to pay her basic household bills, which she is already behind on—and she hasn't even begun physical therapy.

Colleen has already withdrawn from her retirement savings and can now only afford one hour of care three times a week. This means she is pushing herself to do things she shouldn’t, delaying her recovery and putting herself at risk of further injury.

Your support will go toward:

• COBRA health insurance so she can continue treatment

• Home care assistance so she has safe, reliable help while she heals.

• Transportation & medical costs, including prescriptions, co-pays, and rides to her appointments.

• Physical therapy, which she will desperately need once her back has healed enough to begin rehab.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Any amount you give—big or small—will make a real difference in Colleen’s healing journey. Your support will ease her financial burden and allow her to focus on what matters most: getting well and enjoying life.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others. Spreading the word is just as powerful and helps us reach those who may be able to give.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE HEART

Colleen is not the kind of person who likes to ask for help. It took me weeks to reassure her that reaching out doesn’t make her weak or less of a person or that people will look down on her. For years, she has quietly cared for so many—friends, family, neighbors, strangers, and even the smallest of creatures.

If you are able, please consider being part of that support—through a donation or by sharing her story.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Your love will help carry Colleen through this difficult time.