My name is Tina Kuzma and I am reaching out to all of our local community and beyond, if possible for assistance for a friend of mine, Annette Neumeyer.

In September of 2024, life was beginning to look up for Annette for a change. She just started a brand new job that held so much promise and was going to allow her to start having some financial cushion room and a better work environment.

As a Breast Cancer Survivor, who endured a single mastectomy, over 10 years ago, then a problematic hysterectomy, then knee replacements, she was finally able to undergo breast reconstruction and beginning to feel more secure within herself.

While enduring the list of medical challenges, Annette was raising her kids on her own and taking classes to afford her the opportunity to do the best for her and her kids.

Things quickly took a turn for her, just days after starting her new position.

She went to the ER on Sept. 8th and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. Sent home with antibiotics and diet restrictions. No improvement was made so on October 8th she went back and it was determined an emergency surgery will need to be performed.

A portion of her colon had to be removed and the infection attached her colon to her bladder. On October 16th, she went back in for infection. On November 3rd she was again in the hospital a diagnosed with a bladder fistula and surgery failure.

On November 20th, I accompanied her to U of M, as she was finally referred to a knowledgeable specialist.

The news was devastating and not at all what she was prepared to hear. Originally she was told that January would be the time for evaluating her for ileostomy removal. Per the specialist, in her condition, that won't be until April. He is having her see a Urologist to determine if she will need a Foley during this time, in addition to the Ileostomy. According to him, they are going to try to save and repair what they can, but the outcome could actually be her being on a Colostomy Bag and Bladder Bag. Everything is an unknown at this point and timelines are not guaranteed.

At this time, that new job she was so excited for and only enjoyed for a short number of days is also an unknown.

Currently bills are rolling in and though her short term disability was approved, it is only a small portion of her pay and nowhere touches the bills, medical bills, medical supplies costs, etc.

I know times are tight for many, and Holidays add to those expenses, but any little bit, in the Spirit of Giving and compassion for someone in such a difficult time would be so appreciated.

As you can imagine, if you were in this situation, this is all taking a toll on her mental health, strength and outlook for future.

Kindly considering to help ease a portion of her burdens would be so helpful to ease a small portion of her stress so she can focus on healing.

Please keep her in your prayers and share this with as many people as you can.