Help Cassandra Rebuild After a Devastating Car Accident

On November 30, 2024, Cassandra’s life was tragically altered. A driver ran a red light at 75 mph and crashed into Cassandra’s vehicle. According to what we know in her medical records she was given CPR both at the scene and on the way to the hospital. The accident resulted in one skull fracture and two brain bleeds; one on each side of her head.

After being rushed to the hospital, Cassandra was placed in the Trauma ICU, where she remained for six days. It was during this time that she was in what’s called an “awake coma.” Though physically conscious, she had no memory of what had happened, no awareness of the world around her, and could not recognize anyone, including her own family. She was able to speak in brief moments, but her words were fragmented and confused. She was strapped to the bed because, while she could move, she couldn’t walk due to the hemorrhaging in her brain. The doctors worked tirelessly during those six days to stabilize her, and only after this prolonged critical care she was finally able to undergo the emergency surgery to save her life.

Cassandra has no recollection of those days in the coma everything she knows comes from family members and medical records. The first memory she has is waking up after surgery and trying to make sense of the fragmented reality that is now her new life.

Since that moment, Cassandra has been fighting relentlessly to recover from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) that has left her physically and emotionally drained. It’s expected to take almost a year before she can return to work. Every day, she pushes through physical therapy and speech therapy sessions to regain abilities that were lost in the accident. She also sees her neurologist regularly for headache management and is actively seeking mental health support to cope with the emotional strain caused by this life-altering injury.

However, the road to recovery is not easy, and Cassandra struggles daily. Simple activities, like reading and writing, have become monumental challenges. She struggles with standing up on her own and lifting objects over 5 pounds. Bending down to pick something up is not even possible at this point. Music, something she once loved, has become difficult for her to listen to due to the overwhelming sensory overload. Watching TV is now limited to about 30 minutes a day, as the effort of focusing is too taxing. Standing for long periods of time is excruciating, she can only stand for about 7-10 minutes before needing a break. Even the most basic physical tasks require tremendous effort and are often met with frustration. These are the struggles that many people take for granted every day. Yet for Cassandra, they are constant reminders of the long journey ahead.

There are things Cassandra is looking forward to more than anything. She longs to be able to pick up and care for her 2-year-old daughter again, the inability to do so has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Cassandra also dreams of returning to the volleyball court as a coach. Coaching has been a lifelong passion, and getting back on the court with her team is a major goal in her recovery.

However, the financial burden of this long recovery is overwhelming. With the inability to work and mounting bills, Cassandra is in desperate need of support. Your donation will help cover:

* Ongoing physical therapy and speech therapy sessions

* Headache management and neurologist consultations

* Travel expenses for medical appointments

* Mental health therapy to help with emotional recovery

* Daily living expenses as Cassandra focuses on healing

Cassandra has endured unimaginable hardship: flatlining, the confusion and disorientation of being in an awake coma, and the grueling road to recovery. But she continues to fight, not only for survival but for the chance to rebuild her life. She fights for the ability to once care for her daughter the way she did before the accident. She fights for the opportunity to return to coaching and helping others grow. And she fights for the life that’s waiting to be rebuilt.

Every donation, no matter the amount, is an opportunity to help Cassandra take another step toward reclaiming her life. Your generosity is not just a lifeline; it’s a gift of hope, healing, and strength. Thank you for being part of her journey. Your support, whether financial or by sharing this story, means the world.

With deepest gratitude,
Theresa