Care for Maria Tompkins
Donation protected
Until April of 2018, my mother-in-law Maria, was a healthy and vibrant woman who dedicated her life to serving others. She has been a member of the Catholic church since her youth and worked for many years at Mt. De Sales Catholic school for girls. She was very active, serving on the board of her Homeowners Association, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus and RCIA. She even took a troubled teen into her home and cared for her for a number of years. Her deep rooted faith in God and compassion for her fellow man is inspirational. She has devoted her life to her family and community.
Suddenly, Maria's life changed overnight. She wasn't feeling well for a few days and one morning she woke up in her home confused, and not knowing where she was. Her family rushed her to the ER where she was immediately admitted to the hospital. She remained in critical care for days, unable to communicate as her family was stunned to receive a diagnosis - viral meningitis and encephalitis. No one knows how she contracted this serious disease, more common in college age adults, but life threatening for people her age.
After 5 weeks in the hospital and a rehab facility, Maria finally came home. The infection left her with the equivalent of a traumatic brain injury and an uncertain prognosis.
Maria seems to have re-learned who her family members are, but she has memory problems now and seizures. She can not be left alone for her own safety. Her husband works 50+ hours a week and the family is spread thin trying to cover the times he is not at home. Homecare is desperately needed, but of course expensive. It is challenging to find a qualified caregiver that has experience with brain injuries. This is a unique condition and patients can not be treated like you would a dementia or Alzheimer patient, though the symptoms appear similar.
She also needs cognitive therapy and on-going follow up by professionals who specialize in brain injuries. She is on a wait list for Hopkins Brain Injury Psychiatry Clinic.
Maria is at a critical point in her recovery. She is still in "injury mode" which does not have to be permanent!!! With the proper care she may someday re-gain most of her former self. Time is of the essence though. The longer she goes without proper treatment, the more likely it is that she will continue to experience damage.
The family has tried to get financial support from government programs and has attempted to apply for disability benefits, but Maria appears to be ineligible.
Please consider donating. If you are interested in helping by visiting with Maria please contact her children - Dan Seward, Stephanie Tompkins or Sonia Tompkins, or her sister - Laura Eurice.
Sarah Jahng
Suddenly, Maria's life changed overnight. She wasn't feeling well for a few days and one morning she woke up in her home confused, and not knowing where she was. Her family rushed her to the ER where she was immediately admitted to the hospital. She remained in critical care for days, unable to communicate as her family was stunned to receive a diagnosis - viral meningitis and encephalitis. No one knows how she contracted this serious disease, more common in college age adults, but life threatening for people her age.
After 5 weeks in the hospital and a rehab facility, Maria finally came home. The infection left her with the equivalent of a traumatic brain injury and an uncertain prognosis.
Maria seems to have re-learned who her family members are, but she has memory problems now and seizures. She can not be left alone for her own safety. Her husband works 50+ hours a week and the family is spread thin trying to cover the times he is not at home. Homecare is desperately needed, but of course expensive. It is challenging to find a qualified caregiver that has experience with brain injuries. This is a unique condition and patients can not be treated like you would a dementia or Alzheimer patient, though the symptoms appear similar.
She also needs cognitive therapy and on-going follow up by professionals who specialize in brain injuries. She is on a wait list for Hopkins Brain Injury Psychiatry Clinic.
Maria is at a critical point in her recovery. She is still in "injury mode" which does not have to be permanent!!! With the proper care she may someday re-gain most of her former self. Time is of the essence though. The longer she goes without proper treatment, the more likely it is that she will continue to experience damage.
The family has tried to get financial support from government programs and has attempted to apply for disability benefits, but Maria appears to be ineligible.
Please consider donating. If you are interested in helping by visiting with Maria please contact her children - Dan Seward, Stephanie Tompkins or Sonia Tompkins, or her sister - Laura Eurice.
Sarah Jahng
Organizer
Sarah Jahng
Organizer
Mount Airy, MD