A Lifeline for Gerry Ransom

***(Updated 10/24/2023)***

Hi, I am Gerry Ransom. I am 71 years old. Let me share my story. Sixteen months ago in early May 2022, I was a 70-year-old woman navigating through old age with the support of a cane. I had my share of medical issues but managed to get by and get around.

However, everything changed on May 16, 2022. That day, while at the local grocery store in Umatilla FL, I was hit by a car backing out and left at the scene, suffering extensive injuries. The accident left me with severe injuries, depression, PTSD, and a severe anxiety disorder. Despite a slow and painful recovery, I persisted with physical therapy and counseling for my anxiety, gradually regaining my mobility and mental strength.

Fast forward to October 2023, My husband and I went to visit my brother in Port Saint Lucie Fl. My husband went home on 10-7-23 and I was staying the week. Approximately 2 am on 10-8 I got up to go to the bathroom and that is the last thing I remember before waking up face down in a puddle of blood. At that time, I was able to call for help. My brother and his wife were afraid to move me and call 911.

The EMT's arrived and transported me to the emergency room. In the emergency room they had to put 6 stitches on my nose. They did CT scans and found 3 small brain bleeds, one on each side of the forehead and one in the back of the head. They did further test as they were worried the back bleed may be an aneurysm. And they were worried because I could not remember what happened. I also hurt my bad knee when I fell, and it was swollen and very painful.

I ended up with extensive bruising over my body with two black eyes and black chin. I could not get out of bed as I lost all strength in my legs and whole body. I could not walk. After 6 days in the hospital, I was transferred to Life Care Center and rehabilitation center of Port Saint Lucie Fl. They started Physical Therapy exercises in bed to try and build muscle tone.

To ascertain the root cause of my blackout and prevent future incidents, a heart loop recorder was implanted under my skin to monitor my heart continuously. This device will help my medical team understand if there are any cardiac issues contributing to my blackouts, providing crucial data for my ongoing treatment.

My first day in Physical Therapy out of bed (they lifted me by machine into wheelchair). I was able to stand holding onto parallel bars for 7 minutes, then 10 minutes the next day. I am now up to 11 minutes. I was informed by insurance that they would only cover 20 days of admission at the life care rehabilitation center.

Now, every day is a step towards recovery. However, the financial burden is overwhelming. The insurance only covers 20 days of admission at the rehabilitation center, post which the daily charge stands at $178.00. Being retired, I am unable to afford this substantial cost, which is why I am reaching out for your generous assistance.

Any help, monetary or prayers, would be deeply appreciated in this trying time. Your support will not only assist in covering my medical bills but also provide a beacon of hope, aiding my journey towards a full recovery.

This fund would allow for approx. 90 additional days in the facility with daily therapy and rehabilitation.

You can view updates on my Facebook page at Gerry Ransom Facebook

Thank You,

Gerry Ransom

***(Updated 10/24/2023)***