Hi there! I’m Nikki Petersen, sister in law of Tashya Petersen.

Those of you who know Tashya, or even if you have just met her briefly, you probably have been blessed by her selfless nature, and generous spirit. Tashya exemplifies Christlike love and charity, and lives her life always seeking to help and serve others. Whether it’s helping an overwhelmed mom trying to juggle her kids during church, or feeding a homeless person at the corner by Walmart. She buys school supplies for all “her kids” in the area, is constantly putting together gift baskets to brighten others days, and never complains or grows weary when it comes to serving others. She never thinks twice and is always the first to jump into action when help is needed no matter how big or small the problem.

Now, Tashya needs the help of her community and friends, family, and church family alike.

On May 5th she had a left side bleeding stroke which has taken the right side vision in both her eyes, and has affected her memory and has given her muscle weakness in her left side. She currently cannot drive, and is having to depend on others for many day to day tasks, which is something that has been very hard for her to deal with emotionally.

She is currently working with a doctor who is offering OT, PT, and a brain retraining program to try to help improve her cognitive functioning, her fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and hopefully help improve her vision so she can one day be able to drive again and regain her independence.

Unfortunately, these services are not covered by her insurance, and are going to cost $5,000. Since her stroke, Tashya has not been able to work, and has no income until she can regain some of her vision, memory, and cognitive functioning. She can use all the help she can get with covering the cost of these treatments so that she can hopefully regain some sense of normalcy in her life sooner than later.

The other $1500 is to go towards her ambulance ride to the hospital in Fayetteville. Her insurance denied the claim, and while I am helping her apply for financial assistance, it is still up in the air as to whether or not she will get approved for any type of assistance, and right now she has no way to pay that large of a bill.

Like I said at the beginning, if you know Tashya, you know she has a servant’s heart. More than likely, you or someone you know has been blessed by her willingness to serve in one way or another. I know she does not enjoy asking for help, but, I also know that there are just as many blessings to be received by allowing others to serve you, as there are by serving others. Please, if you can, consider helping Tashya lift her burden during this difficult time. If you can’t assist financially, then prayers are always welcome!