Help Andrew battle TBI
Donation protected
This is for Andrew Chiang, my husband and life-partner, who battles Traumatic Brain Injury. On September 29th 2014, our lives changed without any warning. He suffered a devastating brain bleeding caused by arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital condition that was unknown to us until then. He was rushed into emergency surgery and the neurosurgeon was not sure if Andrew would survive. Miraculously, he did but sadly the damage he suffered left him severely disabled. Just 44 years of age, once the picture of health, now Andrew is unable to care for himself any longer. He can barely speak or walk yet he has full cognitive skills.
Andrew has had over 12 surgeries since that time and still requires 24-hour care. I have been by his side every minute since this tragic event occurred. After his medical benefits stopped covering the costs for home nursing care, I became his full-time caregiver, taking on all of the responsibilities of his recovery. With my own elderly parents living overseas, I try to do it all on my own but it’s been very difficult and stressful.
The medical expenses have completely drained our savings and we get by on the meager Social Security Disability benefit, which barely covers our mortgage. We have over $200,000 in uncovered medical bills and Andrew faces additional surgeries to replace a large portion of his skull, which was removed to treat a recurring infection that has repeatedly inhibited his progress.
With the costs of a care facility beyond our reach, we have turned our home into Andrew’s care center. There is a hospital bed in our living room and a wheelchair ramp to the driveway so Andrew can get out to frequent doctor appointments. It is a daily struggle to handle Andrew’s care, manage our house and pay the bills while the cost of his medications, tests and procedures continue to add up.
We are in need of financial assistance to cover some of the expenses so that our son and I can continue to work towards Andrew’s recovery. Please be as generous as possible to assist our family in our time of need. Donations small or large will help and are greatly appreciated.
Andrew has had over 12 surgeries since that time and still requires 24-hour care. I have been by his side every minute since this tragic event occurred. After his medical benefits stopped covering the costs for home nursing care, I became his full-time caregiver, taking on all of the responsibilities of his recovery. With my own elderly parents living overseas, I try to do it all on my own but it’s been very difficult and stressful.
The medical expenses have completely drained our savings and we get by on the meager Social Security Disability benefit, which barely covers our mortgage. We have over $200,000 in uncovered medical bills and Andrew faces additional surgeries to replace a large portion of his skull, which was removed to treat a recurring infection that has repeatedly inhibited his progress.
With the costs of a care facility beyond our reach, we have turned our home into Andrew’s care center. There is a hospital bed in our living room and a wheelchair ramp to the driveway so Andrew can get out to frequent doctor appointments. It is a daily struggle to handle Andrew’s care, manage our house and pay the bills while the cost of his medications, tests and procedures continue to add up.
We are in need of financial assistance to cover some of the expenses so that our son and I can continue to work towards Andrew’s recovery. Please be as generous as possible to assist our family in our time of need. Donations small or large will help and are greatly appreciated.
Organizer
Cristina Hwang
Organizer
Tenafly, NJ
