Emily is a retired school teacher who was very active with the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program up until May 2023.

She had a number of health related issues in 2023 but battled back and was able to return to her home at the end of 2023. She has had a number of hospital stays since then. One goal that she has been working towards since late 2023 is getting a surgery to get a diaphragmatic pacer. This is sort of like a heart pacemaker but it helps the diaphragm function and should be the key to getting her off of the ventilator. She has made multiple trips last year and this year for pre surgery doctors appointments and testing. Sadly insurance has refused to pay for the surgery. We are getting an appeal together to submit to her insurance company. Her surgeon has written a letter as well to help us make the appeal. Hopefully we can get the surgery and get her free from the ventilator. We will share more about that later.

Since late December 2024 Emily has been dealing with seizures and this has led to hospital stays and bills. She is a fighter and is continuing to fight. In the meantime we are reaching out for some monetary help for the recent medical bills. She would appreciate whatever help you have to give.

Thank you,

Emily and Ken