Help Meredith's Family with Ongoing Expenses

Hi friends, family, and loved ones,

As many of you now know, Ashleymae's mom, Meredith Jane Martin, is currently being hospitalized at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital due to complications from a stroke caused by what we now know is Stage 4 Metastasized Lung Cancer.

At this time, it is unknown how long she will be here at Cottage recovering, and where she might go for care after she receives discharge orders.

In order to heal, she needs lots of rest and lots of love. Thankfully, at this time, it appears medical bills will be mostly covered by insurance. However, her daughter, Ashleymae, and son-in-law, Jonathan, are taking on the financial responsibilities of Meredith's life, including rent, storage unit fees, utilities, and other monthly expenses. Additionally, costs will be accrued from making frequent trips to Santa Barbara from their Los Angeles home to visit and support Meredith in her recovery. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for showering Meredith with love, prayer, and support. We believe the truths in Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A full update on her condition is below:

On Tuesday, August 20, Meredith suffered a stroke in her apartment. Because of dear, concerned friends, Gloria and Darlene sprung into action, police were called for a welfare check Tuesday afternoon where they found her on the floor of her apartment, where it was apparent she had suffered some type of medical emergency. She was able to open her eyes and be mildly responsive on site.

The EMTs took Meredith to the Emergency wing of Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara where they stabilized her and watched over her vital signs.

We have had MRI’s and CT scans to try to find out the cause of the stroke. The Neurologist found a pool of blood in her head and a mass on her left lung. From tests so far, it looks like there is metastasized lung cancer that has spread to (at least) the back left side of her head. We are still learning what “kind” of lung cancer and treatments available.

The initial recovery plan is regaining Meredith’s motor functions and mental capacities following the stroke. The left side of her body is gaining strength and function again. She is making daily progress in that area with swallowing food and getting more strength in her left side.

The main concern for the doctors is the metastasized cancer as the underlying issue that caused the stroke. As she recovers, this will be the ongoing issue we will contend with.

Meredith has shown her sense of humor the past couple days in responsive moments. She’s made us laugh and we’ve made her smile. Of course, Meredith loves the Lord. She’s so excited for that day to go home to be with Jesus. But we know this is all in God’s timing. We’re trusting Him in that day by day.