A Classmate in Crisis: Please Help Tamera

Greetings everyone, My name is Terri Johnson McNulty and I am seeking financial assistance for our dear friend and classmate, Tamera Jacks Harris.

In 2021 Tamera began having problems with breathing and chronic fatigue and was diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis. Severe aortic stenosis can be a life-threatening condition. The aortic valve in the heart narrows and prevents blood from flowing easily throughout your body. This means your body does not get the proper amount of oxygen it needs.

Tamera had also gained some weight during her sickness and the doctor told her at her current weight she was too high risk for the open-heart surgery she needed but would schedule her for a much less invasive procedure called the TAVR. This heart procedure replaces a thickened aortic valve that can't fully open. On October 29, 2021, Tamera had Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery.

To help with improved cardiovascular health along with increased mobility and energy, her doctor suggested she concentrate on her weight loss, so on February

1, 2022, she had Bariatric Surgery.

Now fast forward to the present time, she is having complications with the original heart surgery and needs it repaired. The doctors have no choice now but to do open heart surgery and fix her heart with a mechanical valve. Tamera is still rated as a high-risk patient so they have her scheduled to go to Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital in Plano, Tx. She will be traveling down on January 4th, scheduled for tests all day Thursday the 5th and then surgery will be Friday morning, January 6, 2023. The surgeon told her she should be hospitalized 7-10 days.

Tamera draws a small disability check and has insurance through SSI but it doesn't pay much and doesn't pay for her prescriptions at all but she uses GoodRX when available. Her medical bills and household expenses are climbing and she doesn't see an end in sight yet. Her children are taking turns staying with her but they are in no position to help her financially. She needs our help!!

Please take the time to donate to our Fellow classmate and Bluejay and help Tamara through this most difficult time. She needs us now and I know how strong and wonderful our class is to come to her aid. PLEASE PLEASE donate what you can. ALL funds raised will go directly to Tamera to help pay her medical and financial expenses.