Help Dawn with her medical costs as she recovers!


On the week of March 14th, Dawn was displaying several symptoms ranging from confusion, struggles with motor skills, vision changes, and more. On the night of the 14th, Dawn was unable to move her left arm, so her daughter, Amanda, took her to the ER in Britt, IA. Dawn was tested and then diagnosed with low magnesium. The doctors completed a CT scan which did not show anything. Dawn was discharged from the ER after getting a magnesium treatment and her symptoms were temporarily better.  Dawn called the Garner Medical Clinic because she couldn't move her left arm again. The clinic encouraged Dawn to go to the ER in Britt, IA once again. During this ER visit, Dawn was given more tests, including an X-Ray. This X-Ray showed degenerative disks in Dawn's neck. The ER doctor stated this was pushing on a nerve, which was causing Dawn's arm weakness. Dawn was discharged from the ER and given Cortisone pills to take to help with the inflammation in her neck. 

On Sunday, March 17th, Dawn still couldn't move her arm. Amanda had to work that morning, so Dawn reassured Amanda that she would call family friends, Ben Waddingham and Alicia Savoy if she needed any help. Dawn continued on with her day as best as she could. When Amanda got home from work, she noticed slurred speech, slower talking in addition with being unable to work her arm. Amanda then decided to take Dawn to Mercy ER in Mason City, IA. Mercy Hospital completed more tests including a CT scan, blood work, and a urine analysis. All of these tests came back normal. After this, the ER doctor convinced Dawn's insurance to allow Dawn to have an MRI. This MRI showed a decent sized stroke. 

Dawn was then admitted to Mercy Medical Center where she began rehabilitation services. On Monday March 18th, the doctors ordered a CT scan of Dawn's neck and head with contrast. This showed 100% blockage in Dawn's right carotid artery. The doctors didn't want to do surgery due to the location of the blockage, so they upped Dawn's blood pressure in hopes to help the blood get through to her brain. At this point, the doctors told Dawn that an acute care rehabilitation facility would best fit Dawn's needs. The doctors then began the process to get Dawn into a rehabilitation facility, as she was not ready or safe to go home. A caseworker from Mary Greeley in Ames, IA visited Dawn in Mason City to answer any question Dawn and her family might have. The next day, insurance stated that would not cover costs for Dawn to go to the rehabilitation center in Ames. The Mercy caseworker stated this typically happens when the patient can walk with little issues.


On Tuesday March 19th, Dawn began having worsening symptoms; confusion, weakness, slurred speech, slower processing, drooping face, left leg weakness, and forgetfulness. Dawn's doctor then ordered another MRI, this showed the stroke had damaged more of Dawn's brain than the doctors had originally thought. Dawn then continued rehabilitation services with Mercy, as she waited for news on the next step in her recovery. Dawn then played the waiting game with insurance about where she was able to transfer to to continue rehabilitation services. During this time, Dawn had to stay in Mercy hospital, due to it not being safe for her to return home at this time. Dawn was in Mercy for 10 days total. 

On Wednesday March 27th, Dawn finally heard from insurance, and they had approved her to go to a Skilled Care facility in Britt, IA. Amanda drove Dawn to her new home. Mercy in Mason City, IA assumes that Dawn will be in the Skilled Care facility for at least two weeks. While at the Skilled Care facility, Dawn will be working with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists. Dawn is expected to make full recovery. 

Unfortunately, Dawn's husband, Jim, was having issues with his stomach due to complications from his Gastric Bypass surgery two years ago. Jim had a six inch stint put into the entrance of his stomach. It was found that when the doctors put in his stint, Jim's stomach entrance was the size of a pin head. Jim was discharged, and then went back to his hotel room to rest. Jim was then taken to the ER in Rochester, MN by ambulance due to extreme pain. The ER doctors gave Jim medication for the pain, and watched Jim overnight. Jim was discharged the next day along with a prescription for pain medication. 

Unfortunately, with the unknown factor on when and if Dawn is able to return to work. Dawn has always been a kind person, and will always help anyone who is in need, but now she needs your help! Dawn does not know firm discharge date from the Skilled Care facility, and we all know how medical bills can rack up. 

Dawn has kept a positive attitude throughout this entire ordeal. If everyone of Dawn's friends and family donated at least $5, Dawn's medical bills would be less of a burden. If you are unable to donate, at the very least share this link with your friends and family. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read Dawn's story, and and thank you immensely  for all your generosity; whether it be sending flowers, kind messages, other well wishes, or visiting Dawn.