11 years ago, I started having syncope episodes (abrupt faint spells) and random bruising accompanied by extreme weight loss. Initially, the doctors assumed that I had an eating disorder so they treated me as such. I was a minor at the time, My grandma fought for answers because it kept happening and she knew something was wrong. Eventually (months of second and third opinions), it would be discovered by Dr Mary Sokoloski that I had three holes in my atrium and an arrhythmia which required a surgery called a heart ablation, she realistically saved my life despite my family not having any financial means for such a surgery. It is not open heart but it is just as dangerous. Eight days ago, I tested positive for influenza A. Seven days ago, it would be revealed that I had a stroke. I couldn’t feel my legs, I lost full mobility to my legs and the swelling to my entire body made me almost unrecognizable. Thankfully, I’ve since regained my ability to walk (but it takes every effort possible) It was genuinely extremely scary. I’ve always been active, I’ve never let epilepsy or my preexisting cardiac condition stop me from living life. The doctors said I’d never have children, I had them anyways. A choice I made to have two beautiful faces rely on me as their mom. I have proven against the odds many times. There are so many obstacles that I have overcome over the years, by luck or maybe through miracle but mainly through my unending ability to WANT to rise above. As the days went on admitted at UM health, It was discovered that my heart is functioning at 30%. My doctor, god bless her heart put her hands in her face and said “I’m sorry I wish I had better news”. I will need another heart ablation. How long can my heart support my body at 30%? Only time can tell. 30% is heart failure. The question is how long can I thrive with a failing heart? Only time can tell. Thank you all for your heartwarming messages. I have made it my task to stay alive, for my children. I don’t have any further updates at this time. I just feel blessed for another day. I currently do not have insurance but I am in communication to try to attain insurance from an insurance agent. In the meantime, I will be without work due to not being able to function properly and needing to attend various follow ups, doctors visits, and on medication that makes me drowsy. In the meantime, bills never stop. This fundraiser is specifically for the financial relief of living expenses for myself and my two children, doctors visits, medication, and the copay on the surgery if need be. Thank you all.
