With the permission of our parents, Richard and Melba Elder, we humbly began this GoFundMe site to offset unpredictable costs due to our mother’s recent and unforeseen illness. If you know our mother, you can attest to her kind and benevolent spirit. She has the uncanny ability to approach any situation with such grace and decorum. However, this latest situation has proven to be the most challenging in her life.

On April 9, 2022, as Mom was getting ready for her usual Saturday, she experienced extreme pain in her legs and her husband, our Daddy Rich, called an ambulance to rush her to the hospital. After a quick but thorough examination, the medical team discovered her condition was much more severe than any of us could imagine. An aneurysm traveled to her heart and caused a Type A Aortic Dissection - a rupture of the aorta lining. This condition required immediate attention and she was transported to another hospital to undergo emergency surgery. As family and friends waited for a grueling 5 1/2 hours, we praised GOD when the surgeon said, “SHE MADE IT!” We were all very grateful and prepared for the long recovery, but we had no idea of the many challenges Mom would face over the next couple of months.

When her aorta ruptured, the blood supply to her spinal cord was compromised and complications led to her suffering a stroke. These additional challenges resulted in Mom being on a ventilator, undergoing 24-hour dialysis and being connected to several machines for weeks.

After three weeks of sitting by her bedside in ICU, Mom opened her eyes and let us know she understood by responding with the opening and closing of her eyes. HALLELUJAH dancing and tears of joy erupted because we knew our mommy was in that body that had laid still for so long!! Eye blinks turned into head nods, and today she is free of the trach and able to have entire cognitive conversations just like she did before April 9.

God’s light always shines out of the darkness to guide us and remind us He’s never failed us! And Mom is a daily reminder of that promise. She continues making progress, getting stronger and regaining independence at an inpatient rehabilitation center.

While we are so grateful for her progress, we are learning that in addition to recovering from heart surgery, spinal cord injuries take longer to heal and require a lot of attention - especially after she comes home. These types of injuries can take up to 2 years to fully assess the function she will regain.

As of now, when Mom returns home she will need 80% daily assistance. A hospital bed, lift and powered wheelchair are some of the few pieces of medical equipment she will need. Additionally Mom will require outpatient therapy and special transportation suitable for a power chair.

Our mom is a retired Texas principal who devoted over 30 years of her life to educating countless students and was an exemplary model for many education professionals. Daddy Rich is also retired. Despite their hard work, dedication and contributions to a retirement system that includes insurance, those benefits do not cover all Mom's medical needs. Medicare does not cover transportation, supplies and caregiver services. These and other unforeseen needs will put a strain on their finances as they also manage current household expenses.

Many of you have been in similar situations, and others who know mom and/or the family have asked what you can do to help. We continually request and welcome your heartfelt prayers. We also humbly accept any donation, on her behalf, for those looking for other ways to support Melba on this long road to recovery. No dollar amount is too small as every dollar will help.Regardless of your support method, please continue to pray for our mom and share this link with others.

We are forever grateful and thank God for each of you for your thoughts, prayers, donations, and support as Melba on this road to recovery.

#MiraclesForMelba