Help Georgia, My Lifelong Friend in Need

Hi,my name is Lisa Ruggiero and I am asking for any support/donation of any amount for my Best friend Georgia Barbero. She has taken care of me this last year. Most of the time I have been in a wheelchair and she would take me to and from my doctor's appointments, make sure I had all my medications and made me coffee every morning. That is who Georgia is. Her and I have been best friends for 37 years. No matter what was going on in our lives, her and I always had each other's backs. We have always been here for each other and it hurts my heart to know this is something I cannot make go away. I can be right by her side physically and emotionally, but not financially. I know there are many people in my life that have met Georgia so you know she is a humble, kind, and hardworking person. She is a great Mother and a true friend. She is the kind of person who would do anything for you if possible and had the means to do it. She is all around an awesome person. I know I have to do this for her because she would do this for someone else in need.

Georgia recently had a heart attack on Monday, February 24, 2025, where she was taken to Banner Ocotillo Medical Center for treatment. While in ICU, she had 2 stents placed on the right side of her heart while she was awake. The doctors informed her that she also had extensive damage to the left side of her heart. Because of this, she would need another surgery to open the arteries on the left side. The cardiologist wanted to make sure that the first 2 stents that were placed would hold and heal before her next surgery. Meanwhile, the doctors, nurses, and staff were keeping Georgia comfortable and pain-free. The cardiac Team decided to transfer her to Banner Desert Hospital because they had better cardiac equipment. They then scheduled the procedure to be done on Monday. Shortly after scheduling this procedure, we were told that one of the stents needed to be put in was located behind the heart and not easy to get at. We were prepared that she may have open heart surgery if the prior stents didn’t hold. On Thursday she started experiencing sharp pain in her left arm and the left side of her back. The cardiologist made the split-second decision to go ahead and place the 2 additional stents on the left side of her heart immediately which was good because she was having another heart attack. The procedure was successful and the stents were placed without any complications. Georgia was then resting comfortably in ICU. They kept a close eye on her to make sure all four stents were strong before sending her home. While there, she met with a pulmonologist who explained to her that she has COPD A. The pulmonologist also explained to her she that has a mass on her left lung. He will be sending her for a PET scan when she gets out. They gave her multiple breathing treatments and medicine for her pain which she is experiencing because of the inflammation behind her heart. Georgia is now home resting. She is unable to work due to many restrictions from her cardiologist and pulmonologist. At this point she has no idea how long she will be out of work.

I am asking for any donations to help pay for past and present Medical bills and expenses. Her Bills after insurance so far are $15,000. Any little bit will help lessen her stress and worry over how she is going to pay these bills and financially survive day-to-day with less pay. Thank you.

Lisa Ruggiero