Help Heal Lisa Hoover’s Heart
Donation protected
- GoFundMe for Lisa Hoover: A Journey of Strength, Healing, and Hope
Hi everyone, this is Suzanne Legg, writing on behalf of sister Lisa Hoover.
As many of you don't know, Lisa is currently recovering in the cardiac ICU from a double open-heart
bypass surgery (CABG). Just three days after surgery, she experienced a critical complication
resulting in a code being called while in the ICU. Her care team acted swiftly to stabilize her, and
she remains under intensive monitoring with a long road ahead.
Her world changed in an instant after an ER visit led to an unexpected hospital admission and
urgent heart surgery. She is now in the early stages of recovery, connected to drains,
IVs, monitors,
and a catheter.
But her journey doesn't end there. Doctors also discovered:
- A hole in her heart (PFO) that may require repair in the near future
- A 45% blocked carotid artery, under vascular surgeon care with possible intervention ahead
- Severe cervical spinal stenosis requiring neurosurgical evaluation and likely a spine surgery soon.
- A torn rotator cuff, biceps tendinitis, and labral tear in her right shoulder, worsening over the last
year and being treated with physical therapy, dry needling, light therapy, and injections in hopes of
avoiding shoulder surgery
Lisa is now balancing care from cardiology, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and pain management, while preparing for future interventions on her spine
and other regions.
Throughout all of this, Lisa remains the primary caregiver for her bright, energetic 6-year-old
daughter,
Bardot, and her 80-year-old father. She coordinates their medical care, handles finances,
medications, and keeps their home running-on top of managing her own complex medical needs.
Lisa recently faced another complication: a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) tgat developed after a
chest tube was removed; and fluid accumulation in the lower lobes of both lungs. She may need a procedure to inflate the lung or remove trapped air, and
will require oxygen therapy at home to support her healing.
Unfortunately, Medicare may not
approve coverage since her oxygen saturation remains on the lower end of normal.
Her medical team has also recommended adaptive equipment to aid her recovery and safety at
home-items like:
an over-bed height-adjustable table, orthopedic wedges for bed positioning,
a toilet safety rail, and assistive toileting aids.
Adding of a permanent handrail to both the from and back entranced the .
Sadly, many of these are not covered by insurance but are
essential for her comfort, independence, and safe mobility during this critical time.
In addition, Lisa is experiencing severe fluid retention-over 30 pounds of excess fluid in just four
days post-surgery-leading to painful swelling, skin tightness, and difficulty moving.
Her doctors are
addressing this with Lasix, lymphatic massage, and recommendations for compression garments
and a lymphatic therapy plate to support drainage. These tools, though medically advised, are also
likely not covered by insurance.
Due to her heart surgery, Lisa cannot drive for at least six weeks. Transportation to critical follow-up
appointments, cardiac rehab, therapy sessions, and errands will require paid rides, favors, or help
from others-costs and logistics not covered by insurance.
Lisa's father will be a point of care, with the help of a friend, handling much of the in-person
shopping, coordinating home health visits, and helping manage household needs. Insurance may
not cover a home health aide, meaning she may need to pay out-of-pocket for basic assistance.
Beyond medical care, Lisa will temporarily be unable to mow the lawn, handle household chores, or
keep up with the physical demands of caregiving and home maintenance.
This GoFundMe is not just about financial help. It's an invitation for love, support, and community.
Whether that's donating, sharing, helping with errands, recommending a local teen who
mows lawns, or simply offering encouragement.
Allowing me to post this on her behalf has been an incredibly humbling, difficult step for Lisa.
She wants everyone to know:
"I'm not someone who ever wants to ask for money. This isn't easy. But I'm truly afraid I won't be
able to cover these needs on my own. I never want anyone to feel obligated or stretched. If you're in
a place where you're able to give without it affecting your own family or budget, I would be deeply grateful. But kindness comes in many forms-not just dollars."
As Brené Brown reminds us, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of courage." Lisa has shown more
courage than anyone I know, letting others step in at a moment when she needs care the most.
Lisa's doctors have shared that it may take up to a year for her to regain her previous strength and
activity level. Her recovery will require ongoing cardiac rehab, physical and occupational therapy,
regular follow-ups, and continued support at home. The financial needs may shift and grow
depending on her healing process over the next year-and this fundraiser reflects that evolving
journey.
This fundraiser will help cover:
- Oxygen therapy and respiratory support at home
- Adaptive medical equipment not covered by insurance
- Transportation to medical appointments and cardiac rehab;
- Parking fees at medical facilities
At- Prescription copays, including new high-tier medications
- Out-of-pocket costs for a home health aide and help with household maintenance (like lawn care)
while Lisa recovers
- Physical and occupational therapy costs
- Compression garments and lymphatic therapy supports
- Daily living supports to keep her home and family stable.
In addition, because of the number of people reaching out; (which she loves and is fueling her through this journey;) and to ensure no important
medical updates or communications are missed on her email/ phone, Lisa has created a dedicated email address for
those wishing to send well-wishes, check in, or receive updates:
If you'd like to send a message of encouragement, ask about her progress, or offer support, please
use this email instead of calls or texts. *She will be monitoring this account
This allows Lisa and her family to keep communications organized while she focuses on healing.
Even sharing this fundraiser or offering ideas and connections would be a huge blessing.
Any contribution-financial or otherwise-helps Lisa focus on what matters most: healing, keeping her
family together, and moving forward one day at a time.
Lisa created an Instagram Account and a YouTube Chanel. She wanted to have an online platform to publicly journal, share photos, videos and updates
Instagram: HealingLisasHeart
YouTube channel: Healing Lisa’s Heart
Lisa has also created a Facebook Account; Username is “HealingLisasHeart.)
Please note- all 3 Social Accounts are active. These Accounts are active; but Lisa hasn’t added any media as she has been struggling with feeling well and eating.
I will post here to the GoFundMe page with updates in addition to the media platforms where you will mostly like see more video & pictures with updates on those plateform.
It is a great appreciation you’ve come to read about Lisa’s current condition.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Legg, Lisa’s immediate family and friends.
*As Lisa would say “Sending Positive Vibes your way for a great day! “ ✌️
Organizer and beneficiary
Suzanne Legg
Organizer
Blacklick, OH
Joseph Hoover
Beneficiary