Fundraiser for Jackie Donovan's Healthcare Costs

My name is Emily Donovan, and I'm raising funds for the health care expenses of my mother, Jackie Donovan. Mom went to the Emergency Room last Tuesday night (after much pestering) for what she thought was maybe just dehydration. By Friday, she had been transferred from Cullman Regional Medical Center to UAB Hospital, and she is scheduled for open heart surgery (2-vessel CABG) Tuesday, 9/6.

She's had a big year medically. In May, she had both jaw joints replaced with titanium joints. This 8-hour surgery required an additional follow-up surgery in June. I was here in May to provide care for the first couple of weeks following the jaw surgery. While I had hoped this would be my only medically-related hiatus from graduate school this year, I have traveled to Alabama and will be here for 1 to 3 months to help with her surgical recovery, including driving her to and from follow-up appointments and taking care of the house. I am grateful for the support of friends and family thus far, and I am fortunate to have research mentors and clinical supervisors who are flexible.

As a result of her declining health in the past few years, she has been unable to work consistently. She has also had to put off some medical care (e.g., purchasing hearing aids for hearing loss) due to prohibitive costs and all of the other medical expenses this year. We would appreciate any help that we can receive. Donations will go towards medical expenses including travel to appointments.