Help Theresa Kelleher Cassidy as She Recovers

Life can change in the blink of an eye.  On January 17, 2021, a few days before her 60th birthday, our beautiful, full-of-life sister-in-law, Theresa Kelleher Cassidy, had a massive stroke that changed her life.  Theresa was flown from their home in Nags Head, NC to Vident, Greensville, NC (associated with East Carolina University) to their ICU neurology unit.  

Our brother, Tom, found out his wife of 23 years, was diagnosed with left frontal hemorrhagic stroke with infusion to subarachnoid space with a mid-line brain shift.  The right side of her body is paralyzed, along with aphasia (she could not speak), and a broken nose.  

The decision was made to put a PICC line in to reduce the brain swelling and thankfully brain surgery was avoided.

Since Greensville is over two hours from their home, Tom has been staying at a hotel for many weeks to be with her.

Although Theresa's rehab may be a minimum of one year, she has made progress for sure.  She was able to avoid the lifetime PEG feeding tube - she was able to eat applesauce.  She was able (with some assistance) to put on a saints' bracelet.  Although she is paralyzed on her right side, she was able to throw her pillow at Tom a few times!  The feisty Irish lady came through:)

Tentative release from Vident inpatient rehab is February 19 and outpatient will take place in Nags Head, NC.  Theresa keeps telling Tom she wants to go home.  Oh, did I forget to mention that she has said a few things; she recently told a nurse she wanted to "speak to their supervisor"!

Tom is in the process of retrofitting their home to accommodate Theresa and her newly challenging needs.   These renovations include the installation of a lift to get Theresa into and out of their home.  Their home also needs to be renovated, including their bathroom and bedroom along with ongoing rehab cost

Please share this gofundme link with friends and family.

Please keep Theresa and Tom in your prayers.  Any donation you provide will help ease this insurmountable financial burden.  God bless you!