Helping Vicki Heal

Vicki’s Covid story begins not with Covid, but Lupus. Like some of her patients that experience chronic illness, Vicki has Lupus, an autoimmune disorder where your body’s immune system attacks its own tissue and organs. This disease causes inflammation in many different systems of the body. This inflammation has limited Vicki’s ability to work. 

In May of 2021, Vicki’s Lupus flared so badly that she could no longer work in her physically demanding job as an inpatient nurse. Vicki had to take a medical leave where she worked hard to recover. In October of 2021, Vicki planned to return to a career she loved, nursing, just in a different role that did not cause so much stress to her body.

Best laid plans…It is thought that having an autoimmune condition like Lupus may make people more vulnerable to viruses and other illnesses. As a nurse Vicki knew this and she was extra vigilant about following safety guidelines such as using face coverings, avoiding travel, social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting common areas, and getting vaccinated. Although she committed to these precautions to avoid the Covid virus, as she prepared to return to work, Vicki was diagnosed with Covid-19 toward the end of October. By the second week of November, Vicki had difficulty breathing and did not seem to be getting better. She ended up in the hospital on oxygen, she was so sick. She had Covid pneumonia and lupus pneumatosis which has caused severe lung damage. After dealing with Covid at home for 3 weeks, then inpatient for about 2 weeks, she was well enough to be discharged home. 

As many of you have witnessed or may know someone who has suffered with Covid or may be is a long hauler like Vicki, you know the most minimal tasks are difficult. Her body has taken a huge physical toll. But! She made it and she’s home!

However, she still has a long way to go before she is well enough to return to work. Vicki has been out of work for several months with partial or no pay, compounding medical bills, and she is still so sick. As you can imagine, the medical bills are growing, household bills are due each month. We are hoping this GoFund Me will allow Vicki to focus on recovery without the worry of mounting medical bills, monthly household bills, food, and paying the mortgage in order to remain in her home she has worked so hard for.

Anything you can do to help Vicki, especially during this holiday season, would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you! 

If you would like to help Vicki but prefer to use Venmo due to fees you can send it to @Vicki-Hafner