Aid Emma's Mom in Her Healing Journey

My name is Emma and I’m fundraising for my mom. She’s had a rough almost 2 years now. She is 75 with diabetes among other health conditions including a past stroke, orthostatic hypotension, and atrial fibrillation.

She had to have a toe amputated in January of 2023. She was barely a few days out from the procedure still recovering when on her way to the restroom she fell and broke 3 bones in her ankle.

The orthopedic surgeon wasn’t sure if her leg would heal or would have to be amputated. Assuming she kept the leg it was even less sure if she’d ever be able to walk again with a walker.

After 6 months amazingly the ankle did heal and she was able to start PT. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning.

Due to the prolonged time unable to bear weight, she was required to wear briefs and due to massive deconditioning, she’s struggled to gain back the strength she had.

Since Jan 23, she’s been hospitalized 5 more times with UTIs. At her age, UTIs are often accompanied by delirium. These hospitalizations with accompanying downtime have put back the healing. Unfortunately, UTIs are also often accompanied by very high blood sugars which have increased her risk for other health problems. Including the reopening of the surgery incision to repair her ankle.

Prolonged bed rest created another ulcer on her other leg as well. So despite the bones healing, she’s now got non-healing ulcers on both legs that get close to closing until she gets the next UTI and backslides.

She’s is extremely low income. I help with the bills but I was out of work, at home taking care of her, off and on for 6 months in 2023. In 2024 when her last hospitalization was, my employer graciously and kindly allowed me to take a 3 month unpaid leave of absence despite having used all my FMLA without losing my job to care for her again.

Unfortunately much of the FMLA I’d taken and all my leave of absence was unpaid.

Mostly we were able to stay current on bills despite all this with loans, home refinance, and credit cards however this last time has put us over the edge. We’ve accrued about $8000 in medical debt and related expenses. There just isn’t enough monthly income to pay for everything.

In spite of everything that’s happened over the last 20 months, she’s put in a ton of effort to recover. In May of this year, she was able to walk 100 yards with her walker unassisted. The leg ulcers while VERY slow going have also made progress. She’s remained committed to make back as much strength as she can. Using her wheelchair, she’s now able to transfer to it on her own and make her own meals in the microwave. She’s 42 years clean and sober and has maintained a strong connection to AA via Zoom.

We will be eternally grateful for any help that can be offered.