My name is Tamee Wilson-Sparks. On November 16, 2024, I had a hemorrhagic stroke while I was talking to my boss at work. I had 2 surgeries: one to repair the blood vessel that burst, and the other was a VP shunt placement to help brain swelling, which now allows my brain and spinal fluid to drain into my stomach. The right side of my body lost mobility. I am right-handed. So, I am learning to be left-handed while also relearning to be right-handed. This is my second time relearning to walk. Ten years ago, I had to relearn to walk after neck surgery, while battling a rare seizure condition. This journey is harder due to severe spasticity (muscle spasms and severe stiffness in my leg and arm) and curling toes.

I've had many setbacks during this recovery. One week after my son took my profile pictures during the NAMIwalk, which took me 3 hours to complete only one mile, I lost my balance while holding a 2-handed walker, got a tailbone contusion, and fractured 2 of my fingers on my right hand that isn't working. My hand was in a cast for a month and will take 3-4 months to heal.

I, now, have to worry about Hypertensive Encephalopathy. Something that was found during a hospital stay 2 weeks ago.

I still can't walk on my own, and my arm is progressing slowly. I am optimistic and determined to return to work. I have come a long way since I almost died in November. Healing takes time. Only 1-2% of hemorrhagic stroke patients usually survive. This is the hardest journey I have ever faced.

My 26-year-old son has been my caregiver while trying to work two jobs. He has made sure we have a place to live and food to eat, but he can't pay all of his bills, and mine too.

On May 17th, my work short-term disability pay ended, and I don't have long-term disability. I don't have any money until I return to work. I am not a person who asks for help. Currently, I need aid with my bills and maintaining my insurance premiums while I am on LOA. I have to pay that every pay period to keep my insurance active, so I can buy my medicine and pay my doctor visit copays, and hopefully return to work soon. I don't want to lose my car because my son has to take me to my doctor's appointments.

If you could help me in any way, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You Kindly!