Help Mark and Maryann (Fleming) Fabian

PLEASE HELP MARK AND MARYANN (FLEMING) FABIAN.

My name is Marilyn McRitchie Idriss and Maryann is my dearest friend since childhood in Ohio.

Mark had a massive stroke on May 25th. He had slurred speech, confusion, and essentially lost all movement and sensation on his left side. He was at acute rehab for 2 weeks with intense PT, OT, and speech therapy making great progress. He came home on June 23rd and has a lift for the porch, a hospital bed, and other accommodations in place. He continues therapy outpatient - with his dedication and determination the therapists are very optimistic he will walk again! His speech and cognition are improving and although his left arm is taking longer, it’s early still on the stroke timeline so the prognosis is good.

Maryann has suffered from severe arthritis in her knees for over a decade and just had her first replacement surgery this spring. She postponed her 2nd surgery from mid-June to July 27th and their adult children as well as siblings and families are helping at home now and through her recovery weeks. She will again need medical leave - without pay.

Despite Maryann being - I kid you not- the tightest budgeter ever, with Mark bringing in 67% of the income the financial picture is very difficult. Maryann was able to move her work office home and continues full-time. They have the usual mortgage and living expenses as well as “parent plus” college loans x 3 kids, and mounting expenses for durable medical equipment and with high co-pays and co-insurances and many many appointments to go.

The looming question is if and when Mark can work a job. Recovery of the brain and nerves and retraining of the body proceeds at a slow and individual pace. We know not the timing, pace, or challenges that will characterize Mark’s journey. Neither do we know whether his eventual skill set will pair with available jobs. The goal is high, as this will be a long and difficult situation.

However you know them, you know they are as individuals and as a couple, kindness, love, acceptance, and giving personified.

I encourage you to reach out and give as generously as you can in lifting Mark and Maryann up as a community. Money raised will go directly to medical and daily expenses. Consider a monthly donation that works for your budget. We all know they would do it for us in a heartbeat. We are their community.

I am making an initial donation and will match the next $5,000.00 in donations. If you are interested in matching donations you can contact me through Facebook Messenger, Instagram Messenger, or Maryann.