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Help Laura get a new Aorta!
In 2016, after Laura was caregiving full time for her mother for 6 years, her aorta split in two. Miraculously, Laura survived but it brought to attention that she has a connective tissue disorder causing multiple aneurysms throughout. She was able to have her lower thoracic aorta replaced in Portland, OR with an amazing surgeon Dr. Victor Rodriguez. He was the only surgeon who was optimistic and positive and did an amazing job repairing Laura's lower aorta. Now, however, her upper Aorta has enlarged to a dangerous level and it is time for surgery again. This one is much more involved and risky than the previous one. However, if nothing is done, the risk is even higher, increasing Laura's chances of a premature death 30-40% per year.
What does aortic aneurysm mean?
This is what an aortic aneurysm looks like. The white dotted line is normal and the expansion in this image represents the bulge. Think of it like a balloon that is inflated until it bursts. Why does this happen? Modern medicine doesn't really know for sure. The lower part ruptured and was replaced 4 years ago, the upper part now needs replacing. One of Laura's doctors refers to her as a walking miracle. When her lower aorta ruptured 4 years ago there was a more than 50% chance of instant death. But luckily for the world, it wasn't Laura's time!
This fund is to support Laura and her family during surgery and recovery in Sacramento, CA where Dr. Rodriguez is now working. We know she is in excellent hands with Dr. Rodriguez and he knows Laura inside and out. Laura and two family members will be in Sacramento from August 5th until about August 30th.
About Laura: Laura is one of the most selfless, generous, compassionate people you could ever meet. She was a special education teacher for 20 years, a social worker for 20 years, and for another 10 years, as a diversity coordinator she taught her coworkers about the importance of compassion, kindness, inclusion, and diversity. As a volunteer, she has given back to her community in so many ways over the years—rescuing animals, taking in people without a home, working with children with disabilities, volunteering in low income childcare centers (getting the flu many times from the kids but refusing to quit until her friends convinced her that she needed to), volunteering as a senior companion, adopting foster family members and more! Throughout her life, she has been a giver, even when she didn't have the means, and a kind and compassionate listener who puts others first. Now we, her friends and family, are asking for your support to help her get through a much needed surgery and recovery period.
Laura has never asked for financial assistance, having worked her entire life. Since she retired in 2006 she has been on a small monthly fixed income and as medical events have arisen over the years, she has quietly refinanced her house twice to cover her medical bills and expenses. (There is no longer enough equity for her to do that again and she wouldn't be able to make the increased monthly payment.)
About the Financial Assistance: Laura's surgery is scheduled for August 7th and if all goes well she should be away for about 4 weeks. One to two weeks will be in the hospital and two to three weeks will be physical rehab. Laura will receive 100% of these funds. Funds will be used for her medical bills that insurance does not cover, transportation for her and 2 family members to be by her side the entire time she is there. Funds will also be used for temporary housing while she and family are there, any special care needed for her recovery when she is back in Eugene, pet sitting for her beloved rescue dog Ernie while she is gone, and any other costs associated with this big event. Can you please help support someone who has given so much to the world?
A few photos of Laura and people she has touched:
Laura and one of her adopted daughters, Noelle. Laura is one of the biggest reasons Noelle was able to follow her dreams of becoming a full time working artist. If not for Laura's encouragement and support it may never have happened!
Laura and her two adopted daughters, Tara and Noelle. Laura has been a true mother to Tara and Noelle for 30 years giving them endless support, love, encouragement and nurturing.
Laura and couple Jim and Deb. Laura met Deb while Deb was volunteering with Senior Companions to visit with Laura's mother and they have become very good friends!
Laura and Noelle riding horses at Jim and Deb's. Horseback riding at Deb's had become a big part of Laura's life, keeping the horses exercised, having the fun of riding and helping Deb care for them. Laura used her knowledge of horseback riding to volunteer at RideAble which helped people with disabilities experience mobility through riding horses. Because of the risk of Laura's aorta rupturing she is no longer able to horseback ride.
Laura having a meal with her mother, June when she was caring for her. Her mom lived to the age of 96 so we know Laura has a good 25 years of adventuring, helping others and living life fully!
Laura and a long time family friend, Erika who she has known 20 plus years. Laura traveled to Portland to attend Erika's wedding and helped her get ready for her special day.
Laura, Noelle, Laura’s daughter Rachael, Erika and Joe who provided tremendous support during Laura’s first surgery 4 years ago.
Laura and her daughter, Rachael, another wonderful compassionate and giving person who will be taking unpaid time off of work to be with and care for her mother through this surgery, the recovery and for as long as she can manage.
Laura’s grandchildren (three on the right).
Laura walking Ernie. One of the things I love the most about Laura is no matter what she is going through, she always has a smile on her face. We are talking after surgery, during chemo, physical pain, and many other hard moments. In the midst of her trials, she will always still smile and laugh and be grateful for everything good in her life. What an inspiration!
Laura and her group of amazing friends! The kindest, caring and wisest group of women I've known.
Here's to an amazing woman full of love! None of us would be who we are had we not known you. We love you Laura!
Thank you for taking the time to read this! We are so grateful for any donation no matter how small.
With Love and Gratitude,
Noelle Dass
QUESTIONS:
ANONYMOUS DONATIONS? Some people have asked about anonymous donations. After you make your donation, when you receive your receipt, go the the section that says "Manage Donations" and select "Keep Private". This will prevent your name and comments from appearing to the public.
Who Withdraws Funds?: Even though Noelle has started this campaign, Laura has been confirmed as the only recipient. She is the only person that can access and withdraw funds.
In 2016, after Laura was caregiving full time for her mother for 6 years, her aorta split in two. Miraculously, Laura survived but it brought to attention that she has a connective tissue disorder causing multiple aneurysms throughout. She was able to have her lower thoracic aorta replaced in Portland, OR with an amazing surgeon Dr. Victor Rodriguez. He was the only surgeon who was optimistic and positive and did an amazing job repairing Laura's lower aorta. Now, however, her upper Aorta has enlarged to a dangerous level and it is time for surgery again. This one is much more involved and risky than the previous one. However, if nothing is done, the risk is even higher, increasing Laura's chances of a premature death 30-40% per year.
What does aortic aneurysm mean?
This is what an aortic aneurysm looks like. The white dotted line is normal and the expansion in this image represents the bulge. Think of it like a balloon that is inflated until it bursts. Why does this happen? Modern medicine doesn't really know for sure. The lower part ruptured and was replaced 4 years ago, the upper part now needs replacing. One of Laura's doctors refers to her as a walking miracle. When her lower aorta ruptured 4 years ago there was a more than 50% chance of instant death. But luckily for the world, it wasn't Laura's time!
This fund is to support Laura and her family during surgery and recovery in Sacramento, CA where Dr. Rodriguez is now working. We know she is in excellent hands with Dr. Rodriguez and he knows Laura inside and out. Laura and two family members will be in Sacramento from August 5th until about August 30th.
About Laura: Laura is one of the most selfless, generous, compassionate people you could ever meet. She was a special education teacher for 20 years, a social worker for 20 years, and for another 10 years, as a diversity coordinator she taught her coworkers about the importance of compassion, kindness, inclusion, and diversity. As a volunteer, she has given back to her community in so many ways over the years—rescuing animals, taking in people without a home, working with children with disabilities, volunteering in low income childcare centers (getting the flu many times from the kids but refusing to quit until her friends convinced her that she needed to), volunteering as a senior companion, adopting foster family members and more! Throughout her life, she has been a giver, even when she didn't have the means, and a kind and compassionate listener who puts others first. Now we, her friends and family, are asking for your support to help her get through a much needed surgery and recovery period.
Laura has never asked for financial assistance, having worked her entire life. Since she retired in 2006 she has been on a small monthly fixed income and as medical events have arisen over the years, she has quietly refinanced her house twice to cover her medical bills and expenses. (There is no longer enough equity for her to do that again and she wouldn't be able to make the increased monthly payment.)
About the Financial Assistance: Laura's surgery is scheduled for August 7th and if all goes well she should be away for about 4 weeks. One to two weeks will be in the hospital and two to three weeks will be physical rehab. Laura will receive 100% of these funds. Funds will be used for her medical bills that insurance does not cover, transportation for her and 2 family members to be by her side the entire time she is there. Funds will also be used for temporary housing while she and family are there, any special care needed for her recovery when she is back in Eugene, pet sitting for her beloved rescue dog Ernie while she is gone, and any other costs associated with this big event. Can you please help support someone who has given so much to the world?
A few photos of Laura and people she has touched:
Laura and one of her adopted daughters, Noelle. Laura is one of the biggest reasons Noelle was able to follow her dreams of becoming a full time working artist. If not for Laura's encouragement and support it may never have happened!
Laura and her two adopted daughters, Tara and Noelle. Laura has been a true mother to Tara and Noelle for 30 years giving them endless support, love, encouragement and nurturing.
Laura and couple Jim and Deb. Laura met Deb while Deb was volunteering with Senior Companions to visit with Laura's mother and they have become very good friends!
Laura and Noelle riding horses at Jim and Deb's. Horseback riding at Deb's had become a big part of Laura's life, keeping the horses exercised, having the fun of riding and helping Deb care for them. Laura used her knowledge of horseback riding to volunteer at RideAble which helped people with disabilities experience mobility through riding horses. Because of the risk of Laura's aorta rupturing she is no longer able to horseback ride.
Laura having a meal with her mother, June when she was caring for her. Her mom lived to the age of 96 so we know Laura has a good 25 years of adventuring, helping others and living life fully!
Laura and a long time family friend, Erika who she has known 20 plus years. Laura traveled to Portland to attend Erika's wedding and helped her get ready for her special day.
Laura, Noelle, Laura’s daughter Rachael, Erika and Joe who provided tremendous support during Laura’s first surgery 4 years ago.
Laura and her daughter, Rachael, another wonderful compassionate and giving person who will be taking unpaid time off of work to be with and care for her mother through this surgery, the recovery and for as long as she can manage.
Laura’s grandchildren (three on the right).
Laura walking Ernie. One of the things I love the most about Laura is no matter what she is going through, she always has a smile on her face. We are talking after surgery, during chemo, physical pain, and many other hard moments. In the midst of her trials, she will always still smile and laugh and be grateful for everything good in her life. What an inspiration!
Laura and her group of amazing friends! The kindest, caring and wisest group of women I've known.
Here's to an amazing woman full of love! None of us would be who we are had we not known you. We love you Laura!
Thank you for taking the time to read this! We are so grateful for any donation no matter how small.
With Love and Gratitude,
Noelle Dass
QUESTIONS:
ANONYMOUS DONATIONS? Some people have asked about anonymous donations. After you make your donation, when you receive your receipt, go the the section that says "Manage Donations" and select "Keep Private". This will prevent your name and comments from appearing to the public.
Who Withdraws Funds?: Even though Noelle has started this campaign, Laura has been confirmed as the only recipient. She is the only person that can access and withdraw funds.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Yergan
Beneficiary