Charlene O'Rourke's Healing Journey
Charlene's latest update:
"Its February 2018
I have completed my surgeries. It has been a journey to live. Letting go of what is no longer useful.
From the first day of testing finding my world spinning out of control during my routine stress test ending up in Banner ER being discharged at 1130pm only to have no transportation to my home 200 miles away. The last test revealing my carotid artery from my heart try o my brain 90% blocked. Next surgery to remove some vessels and clear carotid before inevidible stroke at risk of stroke on surgery table. First surgery date was interruption by pneumonia. The next date of Procedure was interrupted by a heart attack during surgery. Another recovery period then back to address the reason for heart attack. Unclear concerned integrity of valve that had a murmer since birth. Instead two major blocks one just off font of heart and one off back both at 90% blocked. Stents placed. Resting period . then this last procedure which was actually the first intended. Carotid surgery. iCU 2days Released on Valentines Day only to return to ER few hours later a bloody mess from drainage site. Because of blood thinners and a rushed procedure during discharge. I also was not holding oxygen dipping to 62% . I was given oxycodone at discharge and I did not do well. I was xrayed and CT scan taken for blood clots.. By 3 am my Oxygen saturation was back up and oxy- experience over. since then I have been resting. I still need recover time help me to reach my goal on go fund me. I hope to be teaching again this summer. Funds can be sent to Claudia Cassadore finding her on Feb. Thank you it was One Big Prayer. I hope to sometime give back teachings songs love and laughter. Wopila"
The doctors have told Charlene that she has considerable blockages in the carotid artery and they have scheduled her for surgery on December 18th. 2017. This surgery has many risks that can result in stroke, permanent disabilities, or death. As Charlene is the full-time caregiver of her granddaughter Amalie, one of her major concerns is arranging for Amalie to be in a safe and stable situation should her surgery lead to impairment or death.
Secondly, she is currently living on a small fixed income with one of her sisters, but feels that she cannot expect further support from already taxed family members for hers and Amalie’s care. Although Charlene is on the waiting list for subsidized housing, she has no idea how long that might take (it is definitely not going to happen in the next couple weeks).
What Charlene needs immediately is an apartment of her own, where she can return to after surgery to recover from surgery, heal, and allow Amalie to stay home and continue her daily routine as normally as possible.
To support Charlene for 6 months of healing, she needs $6000 : 1st/last month and security deposit plus 5 months of rent. This can be gathered through a six-month commitment of $200/month from 5 people.
You can contribute $200/month for 6 months by using this link which will automatically withdraw $200 from you every month.
https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/2tk9ef37paqr
You can also contribute $100/month for 6 months by using this link below which will automatically withdraw $100 from you every month.
https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/1auzbk30f3e2
You can also make a one-time donation on this GoFundMe page if you would like. Donations of any size are welcome, but I am reaching out for sure commitments that will give Charlene and Amalie a stable home.
Thank you for your support!
