Support for Cheenou Yang's Stroke Recovery

My name is Elizabeth Vang, and I am reaching out on behalf of my fiancé, Cheenou Yang, who at just 26 years old, has been going through an incredibly challenging medical journey. On November 5th, our lives changed dramatically when Cheenou suffered a hemorrhagic stroke - a severe type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. The situation was so critical that neurosurgeons had to perform emergency surgery to reduce the bleeding in his brain. They also had to remove a portion of his skull to allow his brain to safely swell and heal - a lifesaving procedure known as a craniectomy. Currently, Cheenou must wear a protective helmet at all times to protect his brain where the skull bone is missing. The removed bone flap will be surgically reattached to his skull in the upcoming months.

The immediate cause of Cheenou's stroke was high blood pressure, but during his hospital stay, doctors discovered an underlying condition: a tumor on his adrenal gland. This tumor has been causing his body to release excess amounts of adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which led to his dangerous blood pressure levels.

Cheenou spent 1 month and 13 days in the hospital, fighting hard to recover. During this time, he participated in an acute in-patient rehabilitation program, attending speech, occupational, and physical therapy sessions six days a week. The stroke, which occurred on the right side of his brain, has significantly impacted his daily life. He now experiences left-side weakness, including facial drooping and limited mobility in his left arm and leg. The location of the stroke has also affected his memory and cognitive skills.

While we were grateful to welcome Cheenou home on December 18th, his journey to recovery is far from over. He has transitioned to outpatient rehabilitation, where he continues his intensive therapy program. Through his dedication to rehabilitation, Cheenou is working toward several important life goals: regaining his independence to drive again and return to work, walking confidently down the aisle at our wedding, and ultimately, starting a family together. The duration of his rehabilitation is currently unknown, as recovery from stroke is a highly individual process. What we do know is that he is unable to return to work at this time, creating significant financial strain on our family.

Looking ahead, Cheenou faces two crucial medical procedures in the coming months:

1. Craniotomy surgery to put his bone flap back into place

2. A procedure to remove the adrenal tumor which is causing his high blood pressure

We are reaching out to our community for support during this challenging time. The funds raised will help cover:

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in Cheenou's recovery journey. We are deeply grateful for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and consider supporting Cheenou's recovery journey.