HomeAide Help for Priscilla Diaz

Hi! My name is Priscilla Diaz and I live in Phila, Pa. I’m a single mom of 3 amazing children. I’m currently on bedrest from a 3rd Spinal Fusion with a bone graft. What that means is that the surgeon had to cut a piece of my hip bone out, shave it down to look like a cervical spine disc, remove the one in my spine and replace it to be held together by a metal plate. I’ve been to countless physical therapists and done the holistic treatments and pain management and last year on Jan 11th, 2017 after my second fusion, my body rejected it. I was in poor health and couldn’t understand why at my young age and fairly good health prior to surgery I felt I couldn’t “bounce back”. I was in a car accident in Sept of 2017 and the X-rays & MRI showed the severity of my condition. I was faced with a 3rd surgery or lose complete function of my right arm. After two spinal fusions already, the nerve damage in my right arm was already a hinderance in my career as a traveling stylist by day and nightlife promoter/model by night. Because I knew I was faced with a 3rd surgery I started the process to apply for a home aide through my insurance as it can take up to 3 months. I saw My surgeon at the follow up appt and my condition had worsened so bad I had to have it done in two weeks instead of two months. I had to make the choice of risking losing the use of my right arm by post-poning the surgery or doing it right away but not have the home aide in place. I felt getting the surgery was more important and I would deal with aftercare later. I have No familial support. I’m estranged from my family and the little help I receive is from my friends who have their own families and responsibilities to take care of but I am greatly appreciative of their efforts. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always have a smile on my face, a big, booming laugh and would give the shirt off my back (I’ve done it before). So, I’ve been sitting on bedrest for 3 weeks now agonizing over the decision to make this page because I’m known to be an independent, go-getter. I paid a wonderful woman who was a home aide for 30 years, out of pocket, (my rent money) for one week because that was all I could afford. I have Finally been approved for long term care but it will take 45 days to go into effect. A home aide for 8 hours a day at $13/hour is $520 a week. From now until April 30th, which is when my insurance will cover for a home aide will come out to a grand total of $6,550. I have been homeless. I have volunteered my time for a community homeless outreach program put together by a friend and constantly visit shelters to donate clothing and frequent a pizzaria in Center City that gives back to the homeless. I never thought I would be in a situation where I would have to ask for money for my health care. After a 3rd surgery my health is of the utmost importance because I’m determined for this to be the last one but I can’t properly heal when I’m home alone every day with barely anyone to help. My nurse aides only bathe and dress me. Cooking, cleaning, getting up and down my stairs, paying bills, getting to appointments, going food shopping, having someone here in case I need anything is what they don’t provide. Please note that I am not asking for a penny more than what is computed as the going rate for the next 9 weeks. 3 weeks left of bedrest then 6 more weeks of light activity and 45 days of waiting until the application is approved. Any little bit helps. I will bounce back stronger and better than ever but I cannot do It alone and my support system has practically begged me to start this page so they may help and donate. Thank you in advanve for your generosity and for your time. I wish You lots of love and positivity in your future days to come because that’s what I believe is in store for me.

Warmest regards
-Priscilla Diaz