My daughter has been an emergency room nurse for 6 years. Struggling with depression and major anxiety, which heightened after she gave birth in July of 2023, it got to a point where she wasn’t even able to leave her home (other than work) because of her constant fear and anxiety that bad things were going to happen. This was heightened by her stressful work environment in a level 2 trauma hospital, meaning she’s seen some of the worst things imaginable (and unimaginable) while taking care of patients.

Her therapist recommended a hobby, something she really enjoyed doing for some stress relief. She has been riding horses since she was 13 but hasn't been able to ride since the death of her beloved horse Rascal in 2016.

So, she decided to “get back on the horse.” She found a wonderful little farm close to home with some wonderful, talented people and horses and started taking lessons and volunteering to work there with the horses. She loved it so much that my 11-year-old grandson decided he wanted to take lessons and help out also. This was an amazing bonding experience for them, especially since he struggles with ADHD and anxiety.

Unfortunately, during one of her lessons 3 weeks ago, she had an accident. It was a cold, windy, rainy day, and she was riding in the indoor arena when her horse spooked during a huge gust of wind. He went left, and she went right, landing on her right side and hitting her head and back.

Her account of that day: “As soon as I landed, I knew something was wrong. I struggled to get up and walk but was able to make it to my car with help from my amazing trainer. She drove me to my husband, who was waiting to take me to the hospital. Unfortunately, after all the scans, I was diagnosed with an L2 compression fracture—a broken back. I was told that it would take at least 6+ weeks to heal along with physical therapy. I was placed on bed rest and low weight-bearing precautions, meaning I’m unable to work. My husband has been amazing (as always), making sure I’m comfortable, keeping me on track with the many new medications I’ve been prescribed, all while taking care of the baby, all house duties, and working part-time. My boys (my 11-year-old and 17-year-old grandsons) have also been going above and beyond, helping around the house and keeping my spirits up. I’m so amazingly blessed and grateful for my wonderful family and all the people in my life constantly checking up on me and offering support.”

Although her husband works part-time, she is the main breadwinner for her family, and with medical bills and prescription costs piling up, her short-term disability is not enough to cover even a quarter of their monthly expenses.

So, I’m asking for donations to help get her through these hard times so she can get back to work doing what she loves, which is taking care of her patients.