Our friend and coworker Amy is going through a serious medical crisis that’s left her unable to work and she needs our help.

Over the last few weeks Amy was hospitalized with multiple herniated discs and exposed nerves in her spine, causing intense, constant pain, muscle spasms, and limited mobility.

What followed this initial hospitalization at Wentworth Douglas Hospital was a cascade of other serious health issues. During her hospital stay, Amy developed serious complications—including a UTI which developed into sepsis-a severe blood infection, fluid around her lungs which is comprising her oxygen levels and putting excess strain on her heart, as well as a blood clot. She was discharged from Wentworth-Douglass following treatment and several rounds of antibiotics, and was supposed to receive a caudal epidural steroid injection on an outpatient basis to manage the ongoing excruciating back pain and muscle spasms she has been experiencing, however due to issues with insurance this appointment was cancelled. Unfortunately Amy ended up back in the emergency room at Wentworth Douglas due to the unmanaged pain where she was able to finally get the epidural, however she was readmitted for observation due to low oxygen levels. She was discharged for a second time, but unfortunately this did not last long.

As many of you know, Amy is a survivor of breast cancer. After being discharged from WDH for the second time, she noticed redness and tenderness of her breast and after consulting with her doctors, she was advised to seek emergency care at Portsmouth Region Hospital where she is currently admitted and receiving treatment for a severe infection in her breast.

Due to prior cancer treatment and lymph node removal her immune system is compromised and her body’s ability to fight off infection in this area is weakened.

Due to this infection, Amy had to undergo yet another surgery to remove the breast implants that she had received following her prior cancer treatment.

Amy’s history with chemotherapy treatment has also made it difficult to access her veins for treatment, and she now requires a PICC line to continue receiving vital antibiotics.

Amy has been unable to work for several weeks now and it is unclear when she will be well enough to return to work between treatment and a future surgery to deal with her back injuries. On top of the physical and emotional stress she is dealing with due to numerous ongoing health crises, she is facing mounting financial stress.

Here is how you can help:

We are raising funds to help cover Amy’s:

* Out-of-pocket medical expenses and medications

* Lost income from being unable to work

* Transportation and support for follow-up appointments and treatments

* Recovery and rehabilitation needs following her surgery

If you’ve ever worked with or gotten to know Amy, you know how much she gives to others. Now is our chance to give back.

Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated. Please consider donating and or sharing this page to support Amy during this incredibly difficult time.

— Amy’s Friends & Coworkers