As two of Gretchen Goodman’s college roommates, we have known Gretchen for over thirty years (long enough to remember the bows in her hair!). If you’re getting this, it’s because you are also a part of her life. You hopefully know as well as we do that NO ONE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD can laugh things off as well as she does. But this one’s a bit hard to brush aside...

Gretchen has had not one – but two – brain surgeries.

The first was in September of 2022. It wasn’t a cake walk but it was nothing compared to the second round of surgeries which was just three weeks ago…

With some caring observation by her co-workers one day, Gretchen was taken to the hospital where they discovered her brain was bleeding (which is the simple way to explain her diagnosis of “dural venous thromboembolism with a fistula formation”). Later, she was rushed into a four-hour surgery. Thanks to her friends and family, Kate has been surrounded by love. But if we put ourselves in Gretchen or Kate’s shoes, it’s scary.

Now here’s the awesome news –

Gretchen is recovering like the trooper she’s always been. And Kate is Kate so she’s of course amazingly supportive and helpful.

Now here’s the tougher part –

- Gretchen doesn’t have sick leave or vacation time (she started a new job and hasn’t been there the two months it takes to earn it).

- The Family Medical Care Act doesn’t apply to her right now either.

- She gets ZERO pay until she can go back to work.

- She can’t go back to work right away and when she can go back she will need to take hours off for all of her post-op medical needs.

- Because she can’t work full time yet, she and Kate have to go onto Cobra insurance.

- If no one’s noticed, paying insurance yourself is very very pricey.

Gretchen’s needs are basic and every dollar you can give will go toward:

- Cobra insurance for her and Kate

- Rent

- Utilities

- Doctor bills (which isn't a quick trip to urgent care)

- Food

We want Gretchen and Kate to spend this time healing and focussed on what matters like Gretchen's physical and occupational therapy. So please contribute if you can – any amount is appreciated!

Thank you,

Margy and Kelly