Bill Haynes and Ayanna Lownes stroke relief fund

This campaign is to help our long-time friends Bill and Ayanna get through a rough patch. Bill and Ayanna have been together for 19 years. Those who know them best, know that they are both proud, generous people and that reaching out on the internet for financial assistance is not something that either of them would undertake unless circumstances were particularly dire. They are.

In August of this year, Ayanna suffered a series of debilitating strokes and was hospitalized for several weeks as the doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with her. She was ultimately diagnosed with CNS vasculitis which required an array of immunosuppressant drug infusions to bring under control. She will likely be on multiple medications for the rest of her life. Ayanna requires around the clock care, has difficulty walking and some degree of cognitive impairment. Though she has made tremendous improvements since August, the road ahead is long; requiring ongoing testing and physical/cognitive therapy.

Needless to say this situation has been devastating, both emotionally and financially.

Thus far, Bill has been her primary caregiver and because of this, he has been unable to work. He makes his living as a commercial furniture refinisher, which necessitates long periods of time away from home. Living and medical expenses have eroded most of their savings and their current situation is untenable.

The plan going forward is for Ayanna to relocate to Albany, NY, to stay with family so Bill can return to work. However, before they can do that, she has to first be cleared for travel by her doctors here at Emory University Hospital. It's projected that this will happen sometime in late February. In the meantime, they could use some short-term financial assistance with their ongoing expenses. Any funds donated to this campaign will go directly to that end. Any funds in excess of the target will go toward Ayanna's long-term care.

Thank you for your consideration.

CT