Help Kim While She Fights For Her Life

Hello, my name is Christy, and I’m raising funds for my friend Kimberly Gevara. Kim is a mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend & an incredible human being who has always put others first. Today, she needs our help more than ever.

Kim’s Story

Kim is a devoted mom of two. She is currently in the ICU, fighting for her life against septic shock. Since the early hours of Saturday, she’s been battling severe sepsis while doctors search for the source of the infection. She’s intubated to help her breathe and allow her body to rest, but even in this state, Kim’s fierce spirit shines through. Her Finnish SISU is unwavering—she’s advocating for herself (communicating by writing things down) and letting everyone know what she needs, despite how sick she is.

Special recognition goes to Kim’s brave daughter who recognized that her mom was in dire need of help and made the courageous decision to call 911. Her quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly made a life-saving difference.

Kim’s health challenges go far beyond her current ICU stay. She has been living with complex neuromuscular and autoimmune diseases that have left her diaphragm paralyzed, requiring her to use a portable ventilator 24/7 just to breathe. When I asked Kim to paraphrase her medical issues in a nutshell so I could share with all of you, here is what she shared with me about her day-to-day life:

In Kim’s Words:

"I wear my portable ventilator 24/7. My diaphragm doesn’t do the work of breathing for me. I use oxygen with it at night or when I’m really struggling for extra support.

I walk with assistance from my ventilator cart or a walker from my couch to the bathroom. Anything beyond that, I get too winded and need to be pushed in a wheelchair. I can’t go upstairs or to the basement in my house (I’m working with a program for lifts and a ramp outside). I sleep sitting up because even with the breathing machine, I wake up constantly not breathing."

Kim is typically a private person, but she has given me permission to share her story and ask for help. We’re humbly asking for any support you can give—whether it’s prayers, positive thoughts, or a financial contribution.

Background:

Kim and I met many years ago through our volunteer parent organization at our children’s elementary school. She coordinated and volunteered (and even had several of her family members joining her religiously) at nearly every “Popcorn Friday” event—bringing smiles to countless faces. Now it’s our turn to support her.

Kim has fallen behind on her bills due to unforeseen circumstances. She can’t work, and she isn’t receiving any child support for her two children. Right now, the most important thing is for Kim to focus on healing, getting healthy enough to be extubated, and ultimately going home to her family. But the reality is that living expenses are mounting, and there’s an urgent need for financial assistance.

How You Can Help

We are asking from the bottom of our hearts for any contribution you can make. Whether it’s $5 or $500+, every bit helps lighten the load during this unimaginable time. Your donation will go directly toward covering essential expenses for Kim and her children.

If you can’t contribute financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community. The more people who see it, the better chance we have of reaching our goal and giving Kim the support she deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for keeping Kim in your thoughts and prayers. Let’s show her just how loved and supported she truly is.