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Help Lyman Alterations’ Beloved Seamstress, Cesarfina Cardona, Recover & Stay Afloat
Hi everyone, my name is Mariaisabel Cardona, and I am the daughter of Cesarfina Cardona, owner and head seamstress of Lyman Alterations. On January 24, 2025, at 12:30 PM, our world changed when my mother suffered a mini-stroke (TIA). Since that day, I have been by her side as her primary caregiver, helping her through every step of her recovery while also balancing my studies at Greenville Technical College.
What is a TIA?
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, causing stroke-like symptoms. Although it does not cause permanent damage, a TIA is a serious warning sign of a future stroke and can leave lasting effects, including difficulty with memory, speech, coordination, and movement. Recovery can take weeks or even months, requiring intensive therapy to help the brain rebuild its neural connections and restore function.
Who is Cesarfina?
My mother has been serving this community for 17 years through Lyman Alterations. Whether it’s repairing first responders’ uniforms, altering prom gowns and pageant dresses, or making sure a bride feels perfect on her special day, she has always gone above and beyond for her customers. She has built a loyal customer base across Lyman, Duncan, Greer, and Welford, and her work has become a part of so many important milestones in people’s lives.
Now, Cesarfina—CiCi to so many—needs our help.
Her Medical Emergency
On January 24, while making a supply run for materials needed to complete an alteration for a customer, my mom suddenly felt unwell. Recognizing the symptoms from her 2017 mini-stroke (TIA), she immediately speed dialed me, and I rushed her to the ER. There, she underwent numerous tests including CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and lab work. Despite presenting with severe stroke-like symptoms, no clear stroke was detected. She was hospitalized for five days, and since her discharge, her condition has left her temporarily impaired, unable to work, and struggling with basic daily tasks.
The Road to Recovery & Ongoing Challenges
Since coming home, my mom has required around-the-clock care. She is now undergoing:
- Occupational Therapy – to regain strength in her hands and improve coordination
- Physical Therapy – to improve mobility and balance
- Speech Therapy – to assist with memory retention and processing difficulties
- Neurology Care – we are actively seeking a new specialist who will truly listen to our concerns, as her previous neurologist did not address her condition adequately
Although this has been a difficult journey, what keeps my mom and our family going is the hope and reassurance that with support and therapy, her brain will “reconnect.” As her doctors reassured her in the hospital, this impairment is temporary, and with proper treatment, she will regain her abilities.
Without proper health insurance, all medical visits, tests, therapies, and specialist appointments are being paid out of pocket. Her initial visit with a new neurologist alone is $175, with each follow-up costing $122, and necessary imaging like MRIs or CT scans can cost around $1,500 per scan.
How the Funds Will Be Used
The funds raised will help cover:
- Medical Expenses – hospital bills, specialist visits, therapy sessions, medications, and required imaging/tests
- Shop Rent and Utilities – ensuring that Lyman Alterations remains open during CiCi’s recovery
- Food, Gas, and Transportation for Medical Appointments – as travel for therapy 2- 3x a week and doctor visits adds up quickly
- Mobility & Medical Equipment – walking aids, in-home accommodations, and rehabilitation tools
- Future Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care – as my mom continues therapy and specialist treatments
Lyman Alterations is still open!
We want our clients and community to know that Lyman Alterations is still open and taking business from both old and new customers. You can continue supporting our family by bringing in your clothes for repairs and alterations, just as you always have. We are here for you, and your continued support means the world to our family.
How You Can Help
We have raised nearly $3,500 so far, which has helped with immediate costs, but there is still a long road ahead. Any donation, big or small, will directly support CiCi’s recovery. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing our fundraiser—spreading the word can make a meaningful difference.
A Message from Cesarfina – CiCi
"He sentido enormemente el alivio en mi salud con el apoyo de sus oraciones. Mis facultades profesionales como costurera están temporalmente incapacitadas, necesito el apoyo de mi comunidad durante este tiempo. Por favor y gracias por su apoyo y amor."
"I have felt immense relief in my health through the power of prayer. My professional abilities as a seamstress are temporarily impaired, and I need the support of my community during this time. Please, and thank you for your support and love."
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Every contribution, share, and kind word helps us in this difficult time.
With gratitude,
Mariaisabel Cardona
Organiser
