Help Gladys, my mom, on Her Long Road to Recovery.

Our dear Gladys, my mom, was born with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her brain, a condition that tragically led to her first aneurysm at just 18 years old, leading her to a coma for almost 3 months. In an effort to prevent further aneurysms and try to prevent further growth of the AVM, she underwent Gamma Knife radiation therapy last year. Unfortunately, this treatment led to another serious complication: hydrocephalus and another aneurysm. The AVM currently blocks her networks from the left to right brain and has affected her thalamic region of the brain, where all of the motor functions are controlled.

Adding to these challenges, she still lives with the original aneurysm from her AVM and active hydrocephalus. The past year has been incredibly difficult, marked by five brain surgeries. As a result of these medical battles, she now faces partial paralysis on her right side and expressive aphasia, making communication a daily struggle.

Despite these immense obstacles, my mom is a fighter. She is undergoing continuous therapy and showing slow, but steady, improvement. The road to recovery is long and will require ongoing medical care, therapy, and support.

My mom will continue to live forever with a permanent arterial shunt in both the posterior right and anterior left sides of her brain. These are drains that help circulate the cerebrospinal fluid circulate to alleviate the pressure on her brain, so she can live and function as best as she can, while also minimizing and prevent the migraines she lived with until now. The financial burden of these extensive medical needs, coupled with the ongoing therapy required for her rehabilitation, is significant.

We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for your support. Your generous contribution will help my mom access the crucial therapies she needs, equipment to stimulate her brain, cover ongoing medical expenses, and provide her with the resources to navigate this challenging journey towards greater independence and healing.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in Gladys’ life and offer hope during this difficult time. Please consider donating and sharing her story. Thank you for your kindness and support.