Bring Joanne Home: Aid for Medical and Moving Costs

Hi, my name is Samantha Boughton and I am the daughter of Joanne Thibault.

As many of you know, Joanne has struggled with neuropathy/myopathy for the last few years. Last summer, her muscle weakness worsened significantly to the point where she was unable to stand or adequately use her arms. She was brought into the hospital for a suspected stroke. Luckily, her CAT scan and MRI did not show any signs of a stroke. This was the start of a long 2.5-month stay at Hartford Hospital. Soon after admission, her ability to swallow was affected, and she ended up on oxygen. Her respiratory status worsened severely after aspirating during breakfast one morning, and she was subsequently intubated and placed on a ventilator. Joanne spent the next few weeks between the ICU and intercare floors at HH while they ran a multitude of tests to find out what was wrong with her. Diagnostic testing ranging from blood work, to EMGs, to muscle biopsies, to spinal taps were done. Everything they were testing for was ruled out: Guillain Barre, Myasthenia Gravis, ALS, Lupus, muscular dystrophy, Lyme, inclusion body myelitis, MS, and a variety of other autoimmune diseases. We have still yet to receive any answers as to what her diagnosis is. After a second intubation and no improvement, Joanne had a PEG tube (surgically placed feeding tube) and a tracheostomy placed for a longer-term solution to helping her breathe and protecting her airway since she was still unable to swallow. A few days after having the tracheostomy placed, the tracheostomy tube became obstructed, and Joanne’s heart stopped for 4 minutes due to a lack of oxygen. Luckily, the ICU team was able to get her back after two rounds of CPR and epinephrine. A week or so later, Joanne was able to come off the ventilator. By mid-October, Joanne was accepted by Hospital for Special Care in New Britain. Her ability to swallow and breathe on her own has been fully restored, and we are grateful that there is no long-term damage from her cardiac arrest. Slowly, she has been able to regain some of the use of her hands to the point where she is able to use her electric wheelchair mostly on her own. She only requires oxygen at night and is on track to have her tracheostomy and PEG tube removed soon. She has done an amazing job staying positive through this whole process, and we are hoping to get her home soon! In order to do this, she will need a wheelchair-accessible first-floor apartment. We are currently working with a few organizations to help with finding housing, but she will need help moving all of her belongings from her current second-floor apartment when the time comes. Obviously, Joanne is unable to work in her condition, and she needs assistance with most everyday tasks. Although we are thankful for the amount of resources she has access to, finances are tight as John’s mechanic work is inconsistent and disability only offers minimal support. If we want to get her home, we will need assistance with moving costs, home modifications, purchasing daily care items, medical expenses that may not be covered by insurance, and transportation.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings her one step closer to stability and recovery. If you’re unable to give, simply sharing this campaign would mean the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story — and for any kindness you can offer during this difficult chapter.