Hi everyone,

I am starting this for my mom, Vickie, who has been through a medical journey none of us could have ever imagined. Just a few months ago, she was living her normal life when she suddenly experienced severe chest pain and migraines. Within hours, she was rushed into emergency surgery after doctors discovered a life-threatening Stanford Type A aortic dissection and aneurysm.

She underwent an extensive, high-risk open-heart surgery known as a Bentall procedure—involving replacement of her ascending aorta, hemiarch, and aortic valve—along with a frozen elephant trunk graft procedure utilizing a 28 mm bolt and medical related thoracic stent graft system. After this marathon surgery, she suffered a stroke that left her with lasting disabilities.

Today, my mom cannot drive, read, or use her hands without difficulty. She is working hard in rehab, but she cannot return to work, and we may not know if or when she can. While she fights every day to regain independence, the financial strain is overwhelming.

Her medical bills have already exceeded $1.5 million, and while insurance covered the large bulk of that, she is still responsible for about $20,000 out-of-pocket. We are working with the hospital and doctors on a forgiveness program, but that process takes time. She has applied for Social Security Disability benefits, but the average wait time is more than 200 days. In the meantime, she has no savings left and her everyday bills—mortgage, utilities, and basic living expenses—are piling up.

While we wait for assistance programs and disability benefits to be approved, we need immediate help to keep my mom afloat. Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

* Covering her portion of medical bills

* Keeping up with her mortgage and utilities

* Supporting her ongoing rehabilitation needs

If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will make a difference in easing the stress during this incredibly difficult time. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page with others.

My mom has always been the type of person to help others without hesitation, and now she needs a community to lift her up.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting my mom in her fight to heal and rebuild her life.

With gratitude,

Vickie’s Family