A Time To "Move"

This is my baby sister, Beverly Ann and she is in critical need of knee surgery.  

When we were growing up  in the  "country", Bev always wanted to do what the big girls did.  She followed us around, she played "make-believe" mimicking what we did, and sometimes she was just plain old annoying as younger siblings can be.  She even became a cheerleader at our local high school because my sister Reba and I were cheerleaders.  (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).

There's almost  nothing I wouldn't do for my siblings.  And Bev is no exception.   Beverly is hilariously funny, humble, vivacious, beautiful inside and out, and full of vitality.  How else can she be with 3  cutie pie, rambunctious grandchildren to love on.   She also spreads her love around to her 3 sons (Ryan: aka RanBine, Xavier: aka X-Man, and Kyle: aka Kylaboo), her husband Tommy (my cooking competition buddy during the holidays), her siblings, and our Mom who is right now in the hospital and to whom Bev is providing extraordinary care and attention even as she holds down a full time job.  Oh and I don't want to leave out the fact that she is Coordinating Assistant to her husband who is a basketball coach and mentor to "Award Winning"  young urban basketball stars in their hometown. 



Now, a few years back, Bev was doing all the right things to stay healthy; managing her meals, avoiding drinking a bunch of Coca Cola (cause she loves her some Coca Cola), and exercising.   However, sometimes exercise can be hazardous to your health... when you make a mistake.  During an exercise routine,  Bev came down on her knee "the wrong way" and severely injured it.  The injury was originally misdiagnosed and has slowly gotten worse to the point where her knee constantly locks up and causes severe pain.

I have NO idea how she has managed to function with the pain that she has endured over these many years.  That brings me to the reason I'm here doing this.  I'm going to use a long medical term.  Those of a medical persuasion will know what I speak of and those who aren't so well versed, feel free to Google it.  

Because of the pain, Bev,  is in dire need of what is called "Patella reconstruction debridement and meniscus repair".    Her knee will be "moved" back to the center and she will be made fully ambulatory; and relieving back and foot pain as well.  

I'm sure  you're aware that in the case with most medical plans today, a significant deductible is involved.  That's where we need your help.   At the time Bev made the appointment,  Landmark Surgery Center in St. Louis, MO,  failed to disclose the fact that a $2,500 deductible was required; a bit of a financial shock.  For many, this amount of money may not be significant.   But for others, it is.   When she shared  this with me, I knew that if I had it all,  I would most certainly have given it to her.   I may not have it all, but I'm offering my own gift.

Anyone who knows Beverly, I'm confident that you will agree that she is a good and decent woman of God.  You know that she would do almost anything for a friend, a family member, a colleague, or even a stranger.  So, if you know Me, if you know my sister Reba, or if  you know Beverly, I humbly ask for your assist.  Literally, no amount is too small; $1,   $5,  $10,  $15,   it all adds up.   Your gift is VERY much appreciated!!!

Thank you and God Bless you!





Pardon me as I am " learning" how to provide this site with updates.  You may see "duplicate" items and potentially "out of focus" pics on the site but just know that my intentions are sincere in attempting to share more of Beverly with you.   This next snapshot is Beverly sitting with our Mother in the hospital (day and night).  She makes sure that Mom has what she needs as well as making sure that there is clear communication with hospital staff on behalf of our Mother.  This, even though, she is in need of medical attention herself.  That's just how Beverly  rolls.


NOTE:  Because Bev was in such desperate need of the surgery, they allowed a grace period for the submission of the deductible and so they proceeded with the operation Sunday, September 9  with that condition.  

Once the doctor got "inside" during the procedure, he discovered that the damage was far worse than originally determined.  As a result, what was to have been a 2-3 week recovery period has turned into more like 2 - 3 month recovery period.  Although in "after-surgery" pain,  Beverly is relieved that the procedure is over; and now begins the slow process of months of healing.   She is recuperating with the help of machines to mitigate blood clots.  You can see the machines here.  My other sister, Reba [Tag you're It], is now taking the lead with my mother who has been moved to a different facility for additional care.  

It takes a village.  And that village includes YOU.  With sincere, heartfelt gratitude, we thank each and every one of you for your generous gifts to help Beverly!!!



As of today, September 21, Beverly continues to improve and has progressed from fully enclosed wraps and blood thinning machines to an exterior leg brace and bandages.