Helene Fiorentino Stroke Rehab Fund of Hope
Donation protected
In February, a week before her 65th birthday, my aunt/godmother Helene (my mom's sister) had two brain aneurysms which caused a massive stroke in her brain stem, the area that controls consciousness and all bodily movements - both voluntary (e.g., speaking, walking) and involuntary (e.g., breathing).
I am happy to report that against unbelievable odds, she is continuing to survive and is even beginning to thrive! After two months of being in a deep coma, nearly dying twice during four brain surgeries, undergoing countless rounds of medication, being on life support and having trach/feeding tubes, she has started to emerge from her coma and is showing extraordinary progress (and has miraculously remained COVID free!). She is now able to move her arms and legs, sit up unassisted for long periods and mouth words. It is also evident that her cognitive abilities at this stage are exceeding the odds - she can respond appropriately to yes or no questions.
As you can imagine, this time has been deeply painful for my family, and has been worsened by the fact that, due to the pandemic, we have not been able to visit Helene in the hospital to provide her with the physical love and support she needs and deserves during this nightmare. But we are very hopeful/optimistic about Helene's progress and are excited to announce that she will soon be leaving the hospital and graduating to a rehab facility! Her hospital stay has been, and some of her rehab stay should be, covered by Medicare. However, she will need to spend a number of months at the in-patient rehab facility, and her long term care needs will be costly. The monthly cost for rehab is roughly $11,000, so I'm trying to raise enough money to cover 3 months of in-patient rehab/some of her medical costs after in-patient rehab.
I know this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone in terms of health and finances, and so my family is thankful for any amount that you are able to give. If you are unable to give, we are equally grateful for your positive thoughts and prayers. But either way, please do leave a message below to Helene and/or Debbie and I will get it to them - your kind words are giving them energy to carry on, especially Debbie.
Helene has shown superhuman resiliency during this horrible ordeal, and her example is what gives me hope and the ability to stay strong during this pandemic. My wish is that her story does the same for you.
Our sincerest love and gratitude,
Victoria Bartoli, and the entire Fiorentino/Gemborowski/Sconzo family
Helene's bio: Helene is a proud New Yorker who has lived in NYC and surrounding areas nearly all of her life. She, like her brothers, is a graduate of Fordham University. For over 35 years she worked tirelessly in NYC public schools, most recently serving as an assistant principal in Brooklyn. She loves spending time with her beloved partner of 30+ years, Debbie Gemborowski, mother-in-law Pauline, sister Sandra Sconzo, brothers Joe and Mark Fiorentino, nieces (me), Hayley Fiorentino and Allison Fiorentino, nephew Denis Sconzo, extended Fiorentino and Brunetto/Mautone families, and countless friends including those from her years in NYC public schools. She enjoys gardening, playing golf, walking the beach, reading several books a week, hosting traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner for her family, and playing scratch-off lotto (just like her father)!
I am happy to report that against unbelievable odds, she is continuing to survive and is even beginning to thrive! After two months of being in a deep coma, nearly dying twice during four brain surgeries, undergoing countless rounds of medication, being on life support and having trach/feeding tubes, she has started to emerge from her coma and is showing extraordinary progress (and has miraculously remained COVID free!). She is now able to move her arms and legs, sit up unassisted for long periods and mouth words. It is also evident that her cognitive abilities at this stage are exceeding the odds - she can respond appropriately to yes or no questions.
As you can imagine, this time has been deeply painful for my family, and has been worsened by the fact that, due to the pandemic, we have not been able to visit Helene in the hospital to provide her with the physical love and support she needs and deserves during this nightmare. But we are very hopeful/optimistic about Helene's progress and are excited to announce that she will soon be leaving the hospital and graduating to a rehab facility! Her hospital stay has been, and some of her rehab stay should be, covered by Medicare. However, she will need to spend a number of months at the in-patient rehab facility, and her long term care needs will be costly. The monthly cost for rehab is roughly $11,000, so I'm trying to raise enough money to cover 3 months of in-patient rehab/some of her medical costs after in-patient rehab.
I know this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone in terms of health and finances, and so my family is thankful for any amount that you are able to give. If you are unable to give, we are equally grateful for your positive thoughts and prayers. But either way, please do leave a message below to Helene and/or Debbie and I will get it to them - your kind words are giving them energy to carry on, especially Debbie.
Helene has shown superhuman resiliency during this horrible ordeal, and her example is what gives me hope and the ability to stay strong during this pandemic. My wish is that her story does the same for you.
Our sincerest love and gratitude,
Victoria Bartoli, and the entire Fiorentino/Gemborowski/Sconzo family
Helene's bio: Helene is a proud New Yorker who has lived in NYC and surrounding areas nearly all of her life. She, like her brothers, is a graduate of Fordham University. For over 35 years she worked tirelessly in NYC public schools, most recently serving as an assistant principal in Brooklyn. She loves spending time with her beloved partner of 30+ years, Debbie Gemborowski, mother-in-law Pauline, sister Sandra Sconzo, brothers Joe and Mark Fiorentino, nieces (me), Hayley Fiorentino and Allison Fiorentino, nephew Denis Sconzo, extended Fiorentino and Brunetto/Mautone families, and countless friends including those from her years in NYC public schools. She enjoys gardening, playing golf, walking the beach, reading several books a week, hosting traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner for her family, and playing scratch-off lotto (just like her father)!
Organizer
Vicky Bartoli
Organizer
Pepsi-Cola Sign, NY