Donate to Help Dr. Shawn Burl
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My name is Cedric Burl, and I am managing my sister's, Dr.Shawn Burl's, medical affairs and her dental practice after an unforeseen medical emergency due to an aneurysm. We are asking the medical community, business owners, family, and friends for prayers and financial support.
What Happened?
My sister encountered a brain aneurysm on 8-15-2022. The medical name for the aneurysm is subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASH). Please note 80% of the people that experience this type of aneurysm don't make it to the hospital. Only GOD!
The aneurysm took place while she was organizing a family reunion retreat using Zoom.
One of the family members stayed on the phone after the call and noticed her head fall back, she started to get light-headed, and her speech was unclear.
After the incident, a few family members mentioned her holding her head as if she had a severe headache which they did not know was a sign of an aneurysm at the time.
He immediately made a phone call to the rest of the family members, and they were able to reach her daughter Albertina, who immediately called 911.
DR.Burl was admitted to the hospital ICU within an hour of the emergency.
They did an x-ray to check her blood vessels and immediately determined it was life-threatening and she needed surgery.
By the grace of God, she was placed in the hands of Fisher, Winfield S., III, M.D., a world-renowned neurosurgeon. And the care of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center Critical Care Division.
Recovery Time / Common Problems
Dr.Fisher emphasized the recovery time varies from patient to patent, and only time can tell. The time it takes to recover from a subarachnoid hemorrhage depends on its severity. The location of the bleeding will also affect whether she has any associated problems, such as loss of feeling in her arms or legs or problems understanding speech.
Her recovery time can be a frustrating process. Your friends, family, employees and patients need to understand she may make a lot of progress and then have setbacks; she will have good and bad days. Feelings of anger, resentment and sadness are familiar with these types of patients, Cedric.
He asks that her support groups prepare for her being extremely tired. During the first few months after a subarachnoid hemorrhage, it's normal to feel extremely tired so don't be alarmed.
Many people find they have problems getting to sleep (insomnia) or can only sleep for short periods. Headaches are common after a subarachnoid hemorrhage but tend to ease over time. Some people experience a loss of movement and feeling in their arms or legs. This can range from slight weakness to a complete loss of power. And some people experience strange or unusual sensations in their brains.
After having a subarachnoid hemorrhage, many experience changes to their sense of smell and taste. The senses can be heightened or reduced.
After a brain injury like this, problems with her vision, such as blurring, blind spots, black spots and double vision, are also common.
Please take your time and understand this will be a minimum of 6 to 12-month recovery. Dr.Burl and her team do not need to rush the recovery time.
How You Can Help
Some of you have asked how to help Dr.Burl and her family during this time. Know that your kindness is greatly appreciated as Dr.Burl and her daughter Albertina navigate this devastating moment.
Unfortunately, we have been placed in the position of having to ask the medical community, solo practitioners, friends and family for prayers and financial support.
Please understand your prayers, time and financial support are greatly appreciated.
About Dr. Shawn Burl
Dr.Burl has been practicing dentistry for over 35 years. Dr.Burl holds a license in Arkansas, Tennessee, and was practicing in Birmingham, Alabama, before the medical emergency occurred.
She is a single mother. Her daughter's name is Albertina; she is 23 and completing her last year of college at UAB, the University of Birmingham for Entrepreneurship.
Dr.Burl is a true believer in Christ and lives on the word of God. She is a lifetime member of Saint John AME Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She worships at Titusville A.O.H Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dr.Burl realizes poor oral health impacts the lives of rural Americans in myriad ways, and she has set out to make a difference. She believes that your Oral health is a cornerstone for overall wellness. Unfortunately, dental care in rural communities is often lacking, she says.
Dr.Burl focuses on these communities because they need dentists that understand the importance of serving rural communities. She realizes this is where she has the potential to change lives and make a more profound impact on these underserved communities and the world.
Dr.Burl is a graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Meharry Medical College is one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically black academic health science centers dedicated to educating physicians, dentists, researchers, and health policy experts. Founded in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, Meharry was the first medical school in the South for African Americans. It was chartered separately in 1915.
Dr. Burl typically spends her free and volunteer time with students looking to gain insight into the Dental Profession.
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to mentor students,” Dr. Burl says. “These are my goals with the students: strive for excellence in diagnosis and treatment, communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and team members, and be willing to tackle challenging cases to serve your community better.
For me, it’s to model respect and humility to everyone. The license is just a starting point for real education, and the unique opportunities dentistry offers to be of service and to connect with people in a special way.”
Dr. Burl believes that community service is just an extension of the commitment to others she experienced during her 35-year career.
Dr.Burl is passionate and always will be passionate about bringing dental care to underserved communities.
Societies & Associations Memberships
National Dental Association
Alabama Dental Association
About Dr. Fisher / Dr.Burl Neurosurgeon
Dr. Fisher became a full professor in 1997 and the first holder of the Griff Harsh Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery in 2009. He is presently head of one of the largest Neurointensive care units in the country. He, with otolaryngologist Dr. Benjamin McGrew, has developed a vigorous skull base service with outstanding surgical results dealing with acoustic neuromas and skull base meningiomas.
Dr. Fisher has held various leadership responsibilities in the third largest neurosurgical organization, the Southern Neurosurgery Society, and in 2006 became the president of that society. He has also been the president of the Alabama Neurosurgical Society. He remains active in the Southern Neurosurgery Society.
Reference Link Below
Use of Funds
The money will be used to manage, sustain and mitigate her medical recovery and her existing dental practice and radio show.
Organizer
Cedric Burl
Organizer
Birmingham, AL