Gail “Gia” Carter and Family

Who this will help

Who we are:

Hi, my name is Sierra and although I’m the one physically typing, the entire family is putting this together. Sadly, we just lost a huge part of us, our momma, Gail “Gia” Carter. Let me introduce the family. Gia’s children, Brandi, Jacob and Sierra. Gia’s grandchildren: Luke, Gabi and Swae. We are a very close family and this unexpected loss has impacted us tremendously.

Why I'm fundraising

What Happened:

In late May of this year, Gia went for a routine doctor appointment. During this appointment, the doctor unexpectedly located a large aneurism on her aorta. So large, that it needed to be removed as quickly as possible. Open heart surgery was scheduled for the end of August. Leading up to the surgery Gia was unable to work due to the size and location of the aneurism. Doctors estimated a 20% chance of the aneurism rupturing prior to surgery so it was crucial Gia do as little as possible. The time for surgery came and doctors successfully removed the aneurism. Once Gia was cleared to come home the recovery process began. Gia was able to do little to nothing for roughly two weeks and required much help. Brandi took off time from work to care for her. With Bran’s help, Gia’s recovery was a success. We all worked to care for Gia and get her back to 100%. At the beginning of December she was finally feeling well enough to return to work.

Sadly, the worst had yet to come. Roughly a week ago, Gabi and Gia were returning home after running errands. They live on the third floor of an apartment building which was a difficult climb for Gia post surgery. She also suffered from asthma and experienced shortness of breath that she carried an inhaler for. Once they reached the top, Gia began to feel light-headed and was unable to catch her breath. Gabi quickly called 911. Gia lost consciousness while Gabi was on the phone and the operator instructed her to perform CPR. Gabi did so until EMS arrived and revived Gia. However, she never regained consciousness. Once at the hospital, doctors determined she suffered an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest. She was without oxygen for approximately 12-15 minutes.

Gia spent the following week in the hospital on life support. During this time, doctors evaluated her for any brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. Her time in the hospital was difficult. It was determined that she would be unable to sustain breathing on her own for no longer than 24 hours. She then began experiencing seizures. After an MRI, neurologists told us recovery would be unlikely and should she recover, meaningful recovery was impossible. Gia never regained consciousness. We were told that if she were to pull through, she would be in a vegetative state and require round the clock care. After processing this information, we were left with an impossible decision; carry on with how things were or allow Gia to rest peacefully. On Friday, December 22nd as a family, we decided to remove her from life support. Although this was the most difficult decision any of us has ever faced, we are at peace. We know this is what Gia would have wanted and that she is now resting in heaven.

The impact of your support

Why we need help:

Gia, Brandi, Luke and Gabi lived together, they always have. With Gia’s passing, the three of them have been left in an unimaginable situation. Not only are they mourning the loss of the glue that held the family together, but they’re also in financial ruin.

Bran and Gia were the providers for their family. Gia worked a register at Wal-Mart and Brandi works as a manager for Dollar Tree. As previously mentioned, once the aneurism was located Gia was out of work. She had only returned to work a week prior to her unexpected cardiac arrest. The week before Gia’s open heart surgery in August, Brandi took off work to care for Gia. In total, Brandi missed over a month of work to care for Gia pre and post surgery. Brandi has once again been unable to work since Gia’s cardiac arrest. This has put the family dependent on Luke’s income, working as a loader for Dollar General making minimum wage. Gabi is currently applying for jobs as well.

This year was already proving to be financially tough as their rent was significantly increased and prices were becoming outrageous. As Gia’s surgery neared, their landlord graciously allowed them to pay rent at a later date. Now, the rent can no longer be put off and they must pay what is due and what is owed. As it stands, If we are unable to provide their landlord with $2500 by January 1st, they will face eviction. With the new year right around the corner they too face another raise in rent.

At this time, the family is simply struggling to get by day to day. Although it feels as if the world has come to a stop, everything around them carries on, that includes; groceries, necessities, gas needed to travel to and from the hospital (30+ minute drive), rent, and more. The world continues turning as their world is seemingly crumbling around them.

I want to be very clear, this is what the majority of the funds will be used for; helping the family stay above water as they try to dig their way out of this impossible hole. Of course what funds they can spare will be used toward medical bills, funeral costs and more. Fortunately, Gia had insurance that did pay a portion, but it’s simply not enough.

Any amount helps. If you’re unable to donate at this time we completely understand, we just ask that you please pray, keep us in your thoughts, continue to lift us up and share this with family and friends. We are so incredibly grateful for your love, thoughts and support as we fight to get through this difficult time. We appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are happy to answer any questions or elaborate further on any information.

Thank you for your time.