Care for Margosian Elena: 17 Years of Paralysis

Bring Comfort and Care to Elena After 17 Years of Paralysis

I have known Elena since we were children. She was outstanding in so many ways—bright, full of life, a great dancer, swimmer, and an amazing diver. We would go to the beach, and she was the only girl who dived headfirst from the pier. Her energy and spirit were contagious, and she always had a smile on her face.

But everything changed 17 years ago. Elena dived into a shallow river, surfaced head down, and tragically never felt her body again. The vibrant, active young woman I grew up with is now confined to a small 7th-floor apartment, cared for by her fragile 85-year-old mother, who has dementia. Despite her age and condition, Elena's mother provides basic support, like cooking simple meals, bringing water, and covering Elena with a blanket when it's cold.

Elena spends all her time in bed, as she has no one to help her into her wheelchair. She dreams of simple things: feeling warm water in a shower again, getting some exercise, or going outside for fresh air—luxuries she hasn’t experienced in years due to her condition and lack of support. She currently pays for a caregiver who comes twice a day to change her diaper, a nurse to replace her catheter, blood tests conducted at home, as well as ultrasound and urgent dental service —services that aren’t provided by regular medicine and require costly private providers.

This photo on the right was taken over 10 years ago when Elena was in much better condition and still had some friends who could take her out. I won’t share any recent photos because they aren't easy on the eyes, but I hope you’ll join me in remembering the vibrant and full-of-life person she was—and still is at heart.

We’re raising funds to:

Hire a part-time caregiver who could come 1-2 times a month to help her into her wheelchair, assist with showers, exercise, and provide some much-needed companionship and care.

Upgrade her phone or get her an iPad to improve her ability to communicate and navigate the world.

Build equipment around her bed so she can reach essentials at night without disturbing her mother.

As someone who grew up with Elena, I have witnessed her strength and resilience firsthand. This campaign is an attempt to help bring some comfort, care, and dignity back into her life.

Your generosity can make a real difference in Elena's life. Every donation will bring her closer to the support and comfort she deserves.