Joyce's Journey

 

We’ve all been touched by the love and kindness of the Perreras family. Right now they could use a little help from their friends.

 

In February 2022, Joyce passed out at home and was unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital in a coma after suffering multiple cardiac arrests from a thyroid storm. All of her major organs began to fail. Due to lost blood flow to her spine, she suffered a spinal stroke. The right side of her heart was no longer beating, and the left side was only functioning at 20%.

 

Due to her worsening condition and weakened heart, doctors discussed end of life plans with the family…but her family wasn’t ready to give up. The family had to make a life and death decision to transfer Joyce via helicopter to Keck Hospital of USC. In the days that followed, Joyce went through many major life-saving treatments. She was placed on ecmo, impella and ventilator machines. After Joyce woke up from the coma, she had to go through even more surgeries and rehabilitation to finally get her home.

 

Today, Joyce continues to heal but still can’t move her legs due to a spinal stroke. She suffers from chronic nerve pain that can range from slightly uncomfortable to excruciating pain. While they’re all positive she’ll regain the use of her legs, they see the physical and emotional toll it’s taken on Joyce. Previously, they enjoyed camping and hiking, but none of that’s possible for Joyce right now.

 

That’s where you come in: Jon found a new off-road wheelchair called The Rig. It’s “not a wheelchair” but a modified electric bike. It can go up to 12 mph, travel 10-20 miles on one battery and fits in the back of a Jeep! It can also go anywhere the public can go and is easy to get in and out of. Normal off-road wheelchairs range from $10,000-$20,000 and this one is just $6000.

 

Please take a few minutes to watch the video. You’ll see how this could change Joyce’s life. Any dollar amount helps make this purchase possible, bring some normalcy and joy to their lives and help Joyce continue to heal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuMg0QwKAGI 

Joyce’s story is amazing. READ MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY HERE