Hi, my name is Janine, and I’m the sister of Diane.

In February, Diane suffered a massive stroke that left her paralyzed on the right side of her body. It also severely affected her ability to speak, understand, write, and comprehend. She has been diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia, which is a condition that makes it extremely difficult for her to express herself verbally, even though she still understands much of what’s being said. She will need extensive therapy to regain her ability to communicate and function independently again.

Diane is only 41 years old. She’s a single mother of three, and her youngest son is only 15. She was living on her own until the stroke. Our small, close-knit family does everything we can to help. Right now, my mom is her main caregiver. She’s never been anything other than a stay-at-home mom, but now she’s doing everything from physical therapy to speech therapy to emotional support. She’s doing her best, but it’s more than one person can handle.

Diane’s speech therapy is the hardest part of her recovery. Right now, she communicates with thumbs up, thumbs down, or by pointing. She can’t express her feelings or thoughts, and the frustration of not being able to speak has caused her to fall into a deep depression. She was once a fully independent, professional woman, and now she’s a shadow of her former self. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch.

Before her stroke, Diane took her health very seriously. She was always in shape, watched what she ate, and didn’t smoke. She truly took care of herself. Unfortunately, this past year, she was in a very abusive relationship. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, it wore her down. After a year of that, it started to take a serious toll on her mind and body.

In the months leading up to her stroke, Diane suffered three heart attacks in just three months. On the day of her stroke, my mom found her unconscious in her room. Doctors diagnosed her with Broken Heart Syndrome and discovered a leak in her heart. Just three days after her last heart attack, she had the massive stroke. She was in the hospital for three months until her insurance ran out; then she was sent home.

Diane needs 24/7 professional care. While we do everything we can, it’s not enough. She deserves access to real medical professionals, especially speech therapy. Right now, she’s not able to work, and her short-term disability has already run out. I am responsible for managing her finances, but as a single mom of two young boys trying to manage my own small household, I’m reaching the point where I have to ask for help.

We’ve applied for everything we can: Medicaid, Social Security (which did declare her as long-term disabled), and any assistance that might help with coverage. But it’s a slow process, and time isn’t on our side. Right now, her health coverage is being paid out-of-pocket. She’s not going to be able to return to work, and we know this is going to be a long road. We have faith, and we have her youth on our side.

She needs help with health insurance until she’s approved, ongoing speech and physical therapy, stroke recovery equipment, food, and support with essential household bills like rent, electricity, and water. These are the basic things that keep her stable and safe. They’re getting harder and harder to manage.

With very much gratitude, I’m asking if anyone is able to help in any way. Our whole immediate family would be so appreciative. Diane still has so much life to live, and we’re not giving up. We’re fighting for her every single day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for keeping Diane in your thoughts.