FRIENDS OF MARY MAC SUPPORT FUND
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Friends of Mary Mac Support Fund
Dear Friends,
An extraordinary nurse, soul and a friend of many is in need of our love and support;
As you know, Mary Ann MacNamara (Marymac, Mary, Mare, Mac…whatever many of you may call her), has struggled for many years with multiple medical conditions impacting her ability to work as a nurse in the way she would like, and enjoy many of the opportunities afforded to each of us. To make matters worse, MaryAnn was diagnosed with progressive Pulmonary Artery Hypertension, which is a rare disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with no apparent cause. If left untreated, this disease leads to right sided heart failure and death. This horrible disease has left MaryAnn extremely short of breath, weak and unable to perform many of the activities she truly enjoys.
In the face of many insurance related challenges, in March of this year MaryAnn was finally able to begin lifesaving treatment. She was admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital where a Hickman Catheter was inserted and the infusion of Remodulin by pump was begun. She was able to return to the place where she finds her greatest comfort…her home. Unfortunately, the medication must be gradually increased to a therapeutic dosage because the side effects are extreme weakness and fatigue, severe muscle pain, nausea and lightheadedness. Additionally, she is now receiving supplemental oxygen to lessen any hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues for those who are non-nursing friends).
Feel free to go to the following link to learn more about PAH: http://www.phassociation.org/
Fiercely independent and embarrassed to ask for assistance, MaryAnn is attempting to manage her home and finances, is still the primary person responsible for her disabled Uncle Champ, is trying to be the best Auntie she can be to her beloved nephews and a tremendous source of light in all of the lives she touches.
Despite the loneliness that accompanies chronic illness, MaryAnn continually teaches us to find the beauty in life as we appreciate it through her eyes. Who else can describe a chicken salad sandwich the way she does or marvel at the beauty of nature the way she does? It can also be said that she is truly the Doris Kearns Goodwin of Lowell!
Many have asked how they can help…so we’ve created this facebook page to easier share updates on MaryAnn’s progress and as a direct link for donations.
For those wishing to donate directly by check, you can do so here:
Lynne C Shea
4 Belvina Circle
Pelham, NH
03076
C/O MaryAnn MacNamara Fund
Thank you so very much in advance for your support of our dear friend and colleague.
Warmly, Lynne Shea, Susan Lavallee, Bill Kinch and Melissa Thyne
Dear Friends,
An extraordinary nurse, soul and a friend of many is in need of our love and support;
As you know, Mary Ann MacNamara (Marymac, Mary, Mare, Mac…whatever many of you may call her), has struggled for many years with multiple medical conditions impacting her ability to work as a nurse in the way she would like, and enjoy many of the opportunities afforded to each of us. To make matters worse, MaryAnn was diagnosed with progressive Pulmonary Artery Hypertension, which is a rare disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with no apparent cause. If left untreated, this disease leads to right sided heart failure and death. This horrible disease has left MaryAnn extremely short of breath, weak and unable to perform many of the activities she truly enjoys.
In the face of many insurance related challenges, in March of this year MaryAnn was finally able to begin lifesaving treatment. She was admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital where a Hickman Catheter was inserted and the infusion of Remodulin by pump was begun. She was able to return to the place where she finds her greatest comfort…her home. Unfortunately, the medication must be gradually increased to a therapeutic dosage because the side effects are extreme weakness and fatigue, severe muscle pain, nausea and lightheadedness. Additionally, she is now receiving supplemental oxygen to lessen any hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues for those who are non-nursing friends).
Feel free to go to the following link to learn more about PAH: http://www.phassociation.org/
Fiercely independent and embarrassed to ask for assistance, MaryAnn is attempting to manage her home and finances, is still the primary person responsible for her disabled Uncle Champ, is trying to be the best Auntie she can be to her beloved nephews and a tremendous source of light in all of the lives she touches.
Despite the loneliness that accompanies chronic illness, MaryAnn continually teaches us to find the beauty in life as we appreciate it through her eyes. Who else can describe a chicken salad sandwich the way she does or marvel at the beauty of nature the way she does? It can also be said that she is truly the Doris Kearns Goodwin of Lowell!
Many have asked how they can help…so we’ve created this facebook page to easier share updates on MaryAnn’s progress and as a direct link for donations.
For those wishing to donate directly by check, you can do so here:
Lynne C Shea
4 Belvina Circle
Pelham, NH
03076
C/O MaryAnn MacNamara Fund
Thank you so very much in advance for your support of our dear friend and colleague.
Warmly, Lynne Shea, Susan Lavallee, Bill Kinch and Melissa Thyne
Organizer
Lynne Shea
Organizer
Pelham, NH
