Support for Babs' Caregivers
Donation protected
My sister, Barbara 'Babs' Hamden Smith, suffered a massive stroke in January that left her paralyzed and unable to speak or eat. She is, however, aware of her surroundings, recognizes family and friends, and can communicate somewhat using eye blinks. This condition is known as "locked-in syndrome." There are new therapies and treatments for this condition that allow for recovery of some movement and other functions. Even with all the miracles of modern medicine, recovery from locked-in syndrome takes a long time and plenty of patience and therapy.
If you would like to understand more about locked-in syndrome, you may be interested in watching the film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly , which is available at many public libraries and on Amazon and Netflix DVD. (Note that the film is about an event from over 20 years ago, and many advances have been made in treatment and communication, thanks to the author's story, which he "wrote" using eye blinks and a personal translator.)
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UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 7, 2018
It's been a long, rough road, with many ups and downs, with short-term and long-term stays in several different facilities. Babs has stabilized and has passed the critical six-month point, but we were unable to find a suitable long-term care facility close enough to be practical for the family. She is staying at home now, with help from the family and a home health nurse. Unfortunately, Medicare and her private health insurance do not cover this home care or many of the other expenses involved. (Please read Rachel's update by clicking on the link below.)
Many people have already generously donated to help offset some of the family's ballooning expenses created by this illness. Our family truly appreciates all the prayers, cards and other support offered by her many friends, former students and others. We will be extremely grateful if you can help with this fund, even a small amount, and we will let Babs know about your contribution!
If you would like to understand more about locked-in syndrome, you may be interested in watching the film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly , which is available at many public libraries and on Amazon and Netflix DVD. (Note that the film is about an event from over 20 years ago, and many advances have been made in treatment and communication, thanks to the author's story, which he "wrote" using eye blinks and a personal translator.)
_________________________
UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 7, 2018
It's been a long, rough road, with many ups and downs, with short-term and long-term stays in several different facilities. Babs has stabilized and has passed the critical six-month point, but we were unable to find a suitable long-term care facility close enough to be practical for the family. She is staying at home now, with help from the family and a home health nurse. Unfortunately, Medicare and her private health insurance do not cover this home care or many of the other expenses involved. (Please read Rachel's update by clicking on the link below.)
Many people have already generously donated to help offset some of the family's ballooning expenses created by this illness. Our family truly appreciates all the prayers, cards and other support offered by her many friends, former students and others. We will be extremely grateful if you can help with this fund, even a small amount, and we will let Babs know about your contribution!
Organizer and beneficiary
Vicki Dunaway
Organizer
Bridgeport, WV
Rachel Ashcraft
Beneficiary
