Help Shantwania Green (RN) Fight this TBI

Hi Everyone!

I would like to first introduce myself, Tiara Green, from Chicago, IL, and I am 25 years old. I am writing this plea on behalf of my mother, Shantwania Green, also known as "Twania". My mom is 55 years old, has been married to my Dad, Tim, for over 35 years and is a mother of 3 (Timmy, Tre & myself). My mom has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years, fighting the front line extensively for many years. Being a first responder, my mom worked the front lines during Covid-19 and all other crises that affected the healthcare system. She did it proudly while still fighting her own ailments, including chronic asthma and exposure and contracting Covid-19 multiple times. After recovery, my mom was so focused and determined to return to work and help the patients she affectionately loved and pledged to help with all she had.  

Twania is known for her affectionate smile, loving spirit and loud but warm laugh. She makes people laugh in whatever room she enters. She is definitely a joy to all that she meets. Unfortunately, on the night of October 24, 2021, my mom and I worked the day shift at the hospital and came home as usual. My mom began complaining about not feeling well and having trouble breathing. We tried to manage her breathing at home by giving her a breathing treatment, but it became too severe and required a hospital visit. My mom became so panicky because of the inability to breathe and informed us to call the ambulance. My Dad called

the ambulance, but due to the ambulance taking a long time to arrive, my mom shouted for me to get her to the hospital “now”. My mom was afraid that something terrible was about to happen, that she wanted me to get her to the hospital even if I had to drive myself, which I was forced to oblige. My mom shouted out these fearful words that I still hear often when she mentioned, " it felt like she was about to die". Those words were--and still are--very painful to hear, but I knew at that point she was serious, and I had to get her out of there. While my Dad ran back inside to grab his shoes, my mom told me to drive because she couldn't breathe, and it was getting worse.

The weather that night was very dreary; rain was pouring, and there was very low visibility, but we got her to the car, and I began to proceed to the hospital. While driving, my mom became lethargic and eventually lost consciousness. I tried to revive her while all the time still attempting to get her to the hospital. We were stopped at a stop light, which turned green, and we continued to proceed to the hospital. Out of nowhere, a car suddenly appeared and hit our vehicle, which caused a significant car crash. Our car was totaled, and I had to pull my unconscious mom out of the vehicle and place her on the ground to continue CPR until the ambulance arrived. By the grace of God, I was able to get my mom revived before the ambulance arrived, but she went out again. They continued working on her on this cold, rainy, dreary roadway. Before it was all over, my mom had made it to the hospital, and within the first 24 hours, my mom had gone into cardiac arrest “4 times.” My mom was in a coma for almost a month. Following that, she eventually opened her eyes, which was the best day ever. She has been fighting and pushing to get back ever since! 

During this last year, my mom has had many trials and tribulations during her recovery. She is still fighting so hard to come back to herself. She has been to multiple facilities and is doing extensive therapy, but the recovery is happening slowly, and healthcare expenses are piling up very rapidly. Truthfully, it’s taking a toll on our family.  While we continue to assist in her recovery, we are drowning in medical bills and other expenses. Still, we are determined to get her the extensive therapy she needs to get her back to her vibrant self and get back to working in the nursing field. Twania absolutely loves nursing and helping others while giving that pleasant demeanor and smile!

My mom is currently recovering from an anoxic brain injury. Her doctors are very optimistic she will recover fully, but it will take some time. This time has been challenging, but we are pushing through with the assistance of family and close friends. 

We are desperately asking for any assistance you can provide for our family to help bring this first responder back to her natural radiant self. She desperately wants to continue supporting the fantastic patients she absolutely adores.  We are a family of faith and know she has a testimony to share. Trust me, we all cannot wait for that day to arrive. As an RN nurse in the healthcare field for 30 years, Twania has been fighting to come back, and her family is asking for your help during this time. We really appreciate every one of you as we continue fighting with Twania to recover fully.

Thanks so much, and always remember to #Fightliketwania

On Behalf of Shantwania (Twania) Green RN