Brenda Needs Our Help After Life-Saving Brain Surgery in Mexico

My sister Brenda had been living joyfully in Mexico for five months, creating a travel vlog and embracing life as an adventurous, independent woman in her late 60s.

On November 6th, during a short trip to San Miguel de Allende with two friends, she tripped on an uneven paver and fell, cutting her temple. A clinic stitched the wound and said there were no signs of concussion.

But later that evening, she was suddenly hit with the worst headache of her life. A CT scan revealed a large subdural hematoma — a dangerous brain bleed that required immediate emergency surgery.

"When I saw your images, I knew I had to come help you . . ."

A neurosurgeon in Querétaro reviewed her scans and drove through the night to reach her. Dr Diego spoke with her on the phone while she was still in the ER: "When I saw your images, I knew I had to come help you". He performed a complex craniotomy, removing a massive part of her skull, evacuating the bleed, repairing the vein, and replacing the bone. His determination and skill saved her life.

During recovery, Brenda developed pneumonia, extending her hospital stay and adding thousands to her medical costs. Because she was in a private hospital in Mexico, everything had to be paid upfront before she could be discharged.

To get her lifesaving care:

• Her friend Suzanne put $10,000 on her personal credit card to pay the neurosurgeon immediately.

• Our sister Jan Lenoir covered the remaining hospital bill.

Your donation will help:

• Reimburse Suzanne’s emergency payment and other payments to

hospital totalling $15k

• Reimburse Jan Lenoir for hospital costs of $13k

• Cover costs from the extended hospital stay and pneumonia treatment

Brenda is healing and deeply grateful. She hopes to return to her photography, writing, and vlog — and continue inspiring others to stay bold and curious at any age.

A Personal Note From Brenda

“I have learned a very important lesson from this ordeal: always make sure you are independently, financially safe — with both insurance coverage and a line of credit — before embarking on an international adventure. I hope others can learn from my experience, and I am deeply grateful for every bit of kindness shown to me during this terrifying time.”

Thank you for taking the time to read and for offering your support - every little bit helps.

Every donation truly makes a difference - even $5 carries your wonderful, healing, and supportive juju . . . we are all deeply grateful for your blessings.