Help Her Heal: Recovery from Meningitis and Loss

On June 15 of 2024, my sister was life flighted to CMC in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was dead on arrival. After great effort, they got her back and she was then diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis. She was in a coma, not expected to make it. She has fought very hard . She was in a coma for 12 days. Upon her waking up, we learned that she had no control of her arms or legs. That was due to the little blood clots that the meningitis had caused in her body and went to her brain. We are very fortunate that the meningitis did not affect her brain, however, it did affect her mobility greatly.

On June 30, day 16 here, she had a tracheostomy and a JPEG put in so she was able to receive nutrients and able to breathe without the ventilator. On July 16th, she had a double amputation of her legs. A week later, she had a revision done to remove all of the dead skin that was left so we could begin the healing journey. She is still in the hospital undergoing dressing changes on both legs twice a week, extensive physical and occupational therapy. Her will to get better is so amazing and she is on a journey that no one should ever find themselves upon.

We are saying all this because it has been a tough year for us. On April 28 of this year, she found her only son passed away and we had him cremated on May 5. Exactly 35 days later, she was diagnosed with meningitis and our world has been turned upside down since. We have a long way to go, unfortunately, this may have happened. The bills did not stop. She is raising her grandson that is in itself an expense. He has adapted well on this journey and sure does love his Bebe.

We appreciate any help that you may give us during this difficult time to ease the burden of her not being able to work or provide. She is getting her strength back a little every day. I can tell y’all how amazing she is because I have watched this journey from day one and her determination is there. After her wound healed, the next step will be going to a rehab here in Charlotte where she will be fitted for prosthetics on both legs. She will then receive extensive therapy. For her home, we need to get it set up for her to be able to return home and get adjusted to her new way of life. A ramp needs to be done and her bathroom will need to be done so she will be able to take a shower. So many things to do before she is able to return home. We are asking that you find it in your hearts, even if it is a dollar, to donate towards this cause to us getting her better and getting her home. Thank you.

Today is Aug 10, Day 56 of her journey. We are slowly moving forward. On Tuesday during her wound change the nurses saw something concerning and contacted her surgeon. We then had a setback that afternoon had as she spiked a fever of 103.8 and no matter how hard we tried it would go below 102.0. Tests were ordered immediately . They found that her right leg was infected and surgery was scheduled. She will be having a debridement and another revision. Her hemoglobin has dropped and she is currently getting blood transfusions. She is a tough woman but like us all she has her moments. Thank you to all who has donated we truly appreciate it. Please continue to share and help her raise the funds she needs to get to the next steps.