Hi everyone, my name is Keanna Edwards, her daughter, and I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for help for my incredible mother, Julie Edwards.

On October 21st, our lives changed. My mom came home around 1:00 p.m. and told me she was feeling tired. She laid down to rest, and at first, I thought she was simply taking a nap - but as the hours passed, something inside me told me something wasn’t right.

When I went to check on her, I found her at the bottom of the stairs, crying, with her face twisted and her eyes fluttering side to side. She looked at me and tried to talk, but her words came out slurred. She asked, “Does my face look different?” and I could barely hold back my tears as I said, “Mommy, I believe you’re having a stroke.” I gently sat her down and told her to stay calm until the paramedics arrived.

I immediately called 911. Within minutes, the paramedics arrived and rushed her to Memorial West Hospital. After running scans, the doctors discovered four blood clots on her brain. Some that had been there for months, maybe even a year.

They performed emergency surgery to remove the clots. During the procedure, one of the main arteries that carries blood across her brain collapsed, but thankfully, the surgeons were able to place a stent to restore blood flow.

My mom spent six long days in the ICU, fighting and recovering. She was later moved to the recovery floor, and after another week, she was transported by ambulance to Memorial South Rehabilitation Center in Hollywood, where she’s currently receiving intensive therapy three hours a day, six days a week.

Every day, she pushes herself to move a little more, speak a little clearer, and regain her strength.

Thank God she’s able to remember everything and everyone, speak, and move her limbs. She’s still experiencing slight facial paralysis, slurred speech, and weakness in her left arm, but her determination and faith shine through every single day.

Watching her fight through pain and exhaustion reminds me just how strong and courageous she is. But recovery from something like this takes time, care, and unfortunately, a lot of financial support.

We are trying to raise $25,000 to help cover:

• Ongoing medical bills and hospital expenses

• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

• At-home care once she’s discharged and continuing outpatient therapy

My mom is the heart of our family. Always the one who gives, prays for everyone, and never asks for anything in return. Now, she’s the one who needs our help to heal and rebuild her life.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even send a prayer, it would mean the world to us. Every bit of support, no matter how small, makes a huge difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping my mom get the second chance she truly deserves.

With love and gratitude,

The Edwards Family