Funds Needed to Heal From a Long-Term Concussion

About Me

Hello, my name is Tara and I am collecting funds because I have a long-term concussion. (I fell on September 14). My doctor told me (on October 5th) to apply for FMLA, stay out of work for 2-3 days a week (for up to 2 months), and begin Vestibular Rehabilitation twice a week to help my brain heal. I do not have short-term disability insurance and my employer doesn't provide it. For each day I take off to recover, my paycheck will be docked by $331. For every 10 days I take off to heal, I will lose $3,310 from my paycheck (that is why I am asking for the amount above). That is almost my entire month's salary. I am also a single mother of an amazing son, who receives no child support, and a First Grade teacher to 19 excellent students.

The Effects

Every day I work my brain is reinjured due to being cognitively and physically worn out. Specifically, the eye movements, noise, and lights associated with teaching. This causes me to be so dizzy and nauseous by 11:00 am, that I am holding onto the wall so I don't fall over and have to lie down in a dark room at resource time. I also have a migraine as well at this point in the day.

Extra Factors

The concussion is compounded due to being diagnosed with Covid on August 4th, a long-term Covid headache (I've been getting shots weekly to lessen the headache), and complications of Trigeminal Neuralgia (imagine an earache that reaches across your cheekbone, gives you extreme pain, sensitivity to light/sound, and migraines as well. I was diagnosed with this on July 20th).

What Trigeminal Neuraligial Looks Like

The red line is the pain that starts in the cheekbone, goes to my ear,

and ends in my head.

Actions Taken

Since August 4th I have been to the doctor 15 times, the ER 2 times, and have had IVs, shots, an MRI, a Sphenoidpalentine Block, and extensive bloodwork. I have used 15 sick days so far this year.

How You Can Help

Any contribution would be GREATLY appreciated. If you are unable to donate monetarily, could you PLEASE SHARE this? Thank you for this opportunity to heal stress-free and peacefully and to take care of my son worry-free. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being a kind, generous, caring person. The world needs more people like you.