Help Heidi Heal: Support Her Family’s Journey

Dear friends and supporters,

My name is Tim. I have been friends with Heidi’s partner, Hank, for nearly 40 years and recently had the opportunity to spend time with them this past September. I was proud of, but not surprised by, Hank’s level of commitment and devotion to Heidi. Ensuring she is cared for and receives the necessary supports is his priority. He is a kind and humble man who is reluctant to ask for help so Judi and I decided we would do it on their behalf.

We are reaching out to you to raise funds for Heidi, an adored mother, grandmother, partner, and friend. In early December 2023, Heidi suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that nearly took her life. She went to bed happy and content on December 5th, only to wake up two months later in the ICU at Kamloops Hospital, unable to comprehend the vastness of her situation. The stroke affected multiple areas of her brain, impacting her eyesight, coordination, memory, and processing abilities.

Heidi spent two months in the ICU, relying on life support, including a tracheostomy that still affects her speech. Despite making significant strides in her recovery, she has had to adapt to new limitations, such as using only one eye, which affects her coordination and mobility. After missing Christmas, her grandson’s birthday, and even her own birthday, she finally made the transition to her home in July.

Coming home after seven months of hospital food, physical rehab, and being away from family was a joyous occasion but also brought new challenges. Once a fully independent and free-spirited woman, Heidi is now dependent on her family for daily tasks such as meal preparation and personal care. She is restricted to a wheelchair and requires assistance for walking and other daily activities due to left body dystrophy and limited eyesight.

Heidi’s family has faced immense hurdles in securing funding for her medical expenses. Living in the remote location of Scotch Creek, government-provided care aides and physical therapists are scarce and expensive. Despite efforts, the application process for funding has been described as “virtually unattainable” by her caseworker. Heidi has been paying out of pocket, depleting her life savings to cover the costs of care aides and home renovations needed to accommodate her new needs.

These expenses include:

As Heidi’s savings dwindle and Hank’s work enters the off-season, the financial burden has become overwhelming. Hank has taken on all their living expenses, supporting Heidi who is now fully dependent on him. What was once a comfortable two-income household is now financially strained.

GoFundMe donations would support the completion of the necessary home renovations to improve Heidi’s quality of life, and cover Care Aid and Physiotherapy costs over the winter months. Any contribution, no matter how small, would be immensely appreciated and would help Heidi’s family support her on her long journey towards regaining independence and a better quality of life.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Tim and Judi Ayers