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Heidi Herst's journey to recovery

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I’ve started this fundraiser page to help one of the sweetest people I know. Her strength, courage, and determination to survive while remaining independent is so inspiring. As some of you already know, earlier this year a terrible car accident  caused Heidi to develop compartment syndrome which led to an infection that was irreversible without under going surgery to amputate her right hand. Since then, Heidi has been in recovery. Throughout it all, she's held on to her faith in God, and only has asked for prayers in her recovery. She's grateful to be alive, and gives God the glory and praise as she knows she is blessed to have the prayers and support of friends and loved ones.

Unfortunately, she's coming upon difficult times financially, because of her rising medical and living expenses. Due to her disability she has been unable to work, and has burned through her savings, and is now faced with the difficult decision as to whether she will be able to continue to keep her current way of life. Her giving nature prevents her from asking for help, but it is during these times of need when we, as her friends and loved ones, need to step up and give her as much support as we can.It does not have to be a huge contribution, any amount you can spare will go a long way.

God will surely bless your contribution 10x's over.


“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” Deuteronomy 15: 7-9

 

 

From Heidi:
Hello, and thank you for visiting my gofundme site. My name is Heidi and it is my friend Keyla who graciously set up this site to raise funds to offset my insurmountable (over half a million dollars and growing) medical costs. Here is my story:

On February 20, 2014 I was in a car accident that forever changed my life. I was driving home from visiting my family when my car was forced off the road into a ditch. I was unable to slow the car and hit an embankment and electrical pole at approximately 45mph. The person who caused the accident was never caught but is believed to have been intoxicated.

I sustained several injuries as a result of the accident but the injury to my hand (believed to be caused by the airbag) was not immediately caught. By the time it was diagnosed the only treatment that would save the rest of my arm as well as my life (there was a very dangerous infection as well) was to amputate my right hand--my dominant right hand.

It is not easy for me to write about this or to ask for help. I didn't want people to visit at first because I didn't want people to feel sorry for me because I was afraid I would feel sorry for myself. Once I let people in I realized that we aren't meant to go through these things alone and that is why I'm allowing myself to put this out into the world now. My friends helped me remember my faith in God, and God helped me realize the blessings He has given me in my friends. All of this has carried me through since the accident and I have faith that the support of friends (and even strangers) will take me the rest of the way.

It isn't going to be easy, but few things in life that are worth having are easy. I've had to learn to live with one hand and to do things with my left hand. There is still a lot of pain so I have not yet been able to consider a new career. I know my career as a clinical nurse is over, but I'm hoping that one day I will be able to use my background, as well as this experience, to help others.

I'm eligible for disability but it can take several months to receive and is not enough to live on. In addition to growing medical bills I have costs such as rent, health insurance, and a prosthesis that will cost around $75,000. My savings are dwindling very quickly so any support you can offer at this time is beyond appreciated.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $650 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Keyla Ramos
Organizer
Orlando, FL

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