The Caring Campaign for Claudia

Claudia Parra Roemer is our sister, our friend, a mom of three, and a compassionate and never ending advocate for anyone in need.  We describe her as a community and family member who is the first to step up for someone in need, whether she knows them or not.  She is our “go to” shoulder to cry on, a confidant of many, and often the most charitable person, despite her own burdens. We often ask her how and why she commits to others and her response is always the same “because I can”. 

Claudia’s daughter, Blaire, was a thriving and healthy senior in high school.  In April 2017, she slipped down the stairs of her home. For the next six months, Claudia sought medical care for her chronic back pain from many medical professionals yet was unable to provide Blaire relief.  On November 6th, the source of the problem was identified.  All along it had nothing to do with the fall.  It was a large, spinal, nerve tumor. Within ten days Blaire required emergency spinal tumor removal surgery.

Blaire’s recovery involved intensive physical therapy for 11 months, visits with her neurology and orthopedic teams, MRI’s, imaging, scans, specialized neck instrumentation, visits with other specialists, prescriptions, educational consultations, and emotional support.  However, Blaire’s recovery showed signs of deterioration by mid-summer of 2018.  By August 2018 it was determined that the cavity left by the large tumor caused a vertebrae to collapse into her spine.  Also, the growing weakness in her neck caused her neck and head to tip forward.  Her medical teams determined that Blaire required urgent surgery to keep her from serious and irreversible injury.  Claudia wanted the best possible surgeons and sought multiple medical opinions in multiple cities.  There was no choice but to operate on Blaire very quickly.  On December 12, 2018 Blaire had two intensive spinal procedures to correct  the very complex issues and then sustained a spinal complication and lost movement of her right leg.

What that means today is an extended hospital stay out of town.  In order for Blaire to regain her ability to walk, she will require  extended and intensive inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, medical devices, specialty care, medications, and continued out of town care.  Claudia will do whatever it takes to make sure that Blaire is receiving the best care she needs.  But this will not be easy as she must manage other important responsibilities and transitions in her life. She is now a single parent, sole provider and head of household, has two children in college, works full time, and must move in early 2019.

Blaire’s care before this new surgery has already cost her over $40,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance.    With the new spinal trauma, Claudia faces even higher medical expenses that will also be significant.  Claudia will do whatever it takes for her family, but those who love her realize it will not be easy. 

While advocating for a friend during her serious illness, Claudia designed a tee-shirt, often worn by many that states “Hope: A wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment”.  We now want to give Claudia that hope and confidence so she can focus on Blaire’s recovery by easing the significant financial burden on her. 

There are many friends and family asking how they can help, we ask that you consider this support right away.  It will make an incredible impact.

Thank You For Caring!

Martha and Chris Parra & Tracey Baillargeon