Hello, my name is Michael and the woman you see in the photo is my wife of 27 years, Angela. We live in Salinas, CA and I teach math at a school in Soledad. Angela is only 46 yrs old, a devoted mother of three, and a new grandmother. Several days ago, without any prior medical issues, Angela experienced atrial fibrillation (a fairly common irregular heartbeat). In rare cases, the irregular heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers (atria) and form clots. A blood clot formed in Angela's left upper heart chamber (left atrium) and traveled to the brain causing a massive ischemic stroke. TPA, a clot-busting drug, failed so doctors induced a coma and put angela on a ventilator and said we had to wait and see if she survived. Brain scans showed significant damage to the area of the brain affected by the clot. It was terrifying for the first couple of days, but Angela is breathing on her own now. Still sedated, she has not yet opened her eyes or spoken but she is responding to commands like squeeze my finger or move your foot (on one side of her body), and she wiggled her toes when I asked her if she knew me, and again when asked if she knew where she was.

At this point, the neurologist said that the signs very positive. Then we talked about recovery. Because she is young and strong, Angela could potentially fully recover the functions affected by her brain injury. However, it will depend on three things: Angela's commitment to recovery (which will take time), the love and support of her family, and the quality of care and therapy Angela receives.

As for the first one, Angela survived an abusive childhood, and a diagnosis of p.t.s.d. at 21 yrs old. Her strength is amazing, and I know she can do this.

As for the second, we desperately need her to come back to us. I don't think I can go on without her - so we will do whatever it takes.

Unfortunately, the cost of the types of care and therapies Angela will need to fully recover over the next couple of years, on top of already growing medical bills, is not covered by her insurance and is much more than I can pay for on my salary (I am a middle school math teacher).

I don't know where else to turn. but I do know that Angela deserves to live the second half of her life fully. So with humility and gratitude, I am asking for help from anyone who can give it. I will continue to provide updates on Angela's progress, along with details of how any donated funds are spent.

We are truly grateful,

Michael Whitmer