In November 2023, my partner Cassandra went into surgery for what was supposed to be a routine mastoidectomy. She had been diagnosed with cholesteatoma in her right ear, a condition that posed a serious risk of developing sepsis, which could leak into her brain. The surgery was urgent, and we hoped it would prevent further complications. Unfortunately, things went terribly wrong.
On November 21, 2023, Cassandra was rushed to the hospital after the surgery caused serious complications. During the procedure, the surgeon penetrated her brain, resulting in a bleed. A foreign object, which we believe to be bone wax, was left on her brain, and her health rapidly declined.
What followed was a series of life-threatening medical issues that changed her life forever. She suffered multiple strokes, brain seizures, and DRESS syndrome, which is the most severe allergic reaction possible to a medication. Her right side was left weak, her speech was impaired, and her vision was drastically reduced. The person she once was seemed to vanish overnight.
Cassandra spent three months in the hospital, fighting for her life. At one point, the doctors gave her only a week to wake up after she was sedated to prevent further seizures and strokes. Incredibly, she did wake up, defying the odds, but her life will never be the same.
Cassandra now lives with permanent muscle weakness and difficulty with speech. Her once vibrant and outgoing personality has shifted, and she finds herself reluctant to go outside or engage with others due to her new limitations. Simple tasks like walking, speaking, or even being comfortable in her own home have become monumental hurdles.
Despite applying for grants and funding to assist with making the necessary changes to our home, the process is lengthy, and Cassandra needs help now. As a family, we have done everything we can financially, but we are at the point where we need assistance to ensure she can live with dignity and as much comfort as possible.
The changes required to our home are extensive, but they are critical to giving Cassandra some of her independence back. We need to modify our home to make it accessible for her limited mobility.
This includes adding ramps to the front and back of the house, renovating the bathroom with a new shower and orthopedic-friendly bath, and extending the bedroom so that we can accommodate a specialized bed for her. We also need to make changes to the staircase to allow her better access to the downstairs rooms and install a stairlift. On top of that, we hope to complete work in the garden to make it a peaceful space where Cassandra can feel comfortable spending time outdoors again.
Cassandra's condition has left her with permanent seizures, and she will require medication for the rest of her life to control them. It is heartbreaking to see the woman I love go through such pain and frustration, especially considering how strong, lively, and capable she was before all of this.
We are reaching out for help because we can no longer do this alone. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to making these vital home modifications and ensuring that Cassandra can live with a greater sense of freedom and comfort.
Your generosity could make a world of difference in her life, allowing her to regain some independence and find peace after such a devastating ordeal. We also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for their care and support during Cassandra’s three-month stay. Without them, Cassandra wouldn’t be here with us today.
You can also donate here:
cosmos17gfl500622t6v24jsvtlcnhgt2mddt6qvwegmp
osmo17gfl500622t6v24jsvtlcnhgt2mddt6qy42cdn
noble17gfl500622t6v24jsvtlcnhgt2mddt6qydvqr0
0x2d70BCF87F4dD4152139bE7B2996e45aDe827Bbb
GWMFDK1j7cke4vDJ3S9bBhvPsP6jfEcing2cTcSLh6rf
Thank you for your time, your kindness, and your generosity in helping us give Cassandra a better quality of life!
The images below are some of her scans and the object on her brain:
Organizer
Steve James
Organizer