Whether you know Itzel Cummings as an author of books, crafter of cutesy creations, or the itsy-bitsy tyrant of her husband Patrick, there is one thing that we can all agree on: the world is a better place because she is in it.

In the fall, Itzel and her family contracted COVID-19. While Patrick and the kids had mild symptoms, the viral effects were far harsher for Itzel. On the evening of August 28th, 2024, Itzel collapsed and was unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital where she eventually spent nearly eleven days in a coma suffering from multiple complications from the novel virus. This included a temporary heart condition called myocarditis.

During her stay, the possibility of heart failure was a major concern and she was placed on the transplant waiting list.

Thankfully, Itzel recovered without the need for transplant, but did have an extensive stay in the ICU followed by a long recovery journey. Not only did she have to re-learn basic tasks like walking or how to hold a spoon, she also suffered from temporary memory loss. This time of recovery resulted in Patrick taking time away from work to care for Itzel while also raising the two children solo as mom was working toward getting better.

After six months of doctor prescribed social isolation, we are happy to report that Itzel has made an astounding full recovery and has been given the all-clear from the doctors to return to normal life. However, after such a long and grueling medical experience, normalcy is hard to find and one of the things that makes that even more difficult is the hovering medical debt that keeps arriving as a constant reminder by mail of a moment in history that Itzel and her family would like to leave firmly in the past.

For this reason, we, her friends and colleagues have helped Patrick set up this GoFundMe to cover the remainder of the medical expenses not covered by insurance so they can put the past in their behinds and move forward.

Anything that you are able to give to help cover these costs is much appreciated. Your support allows the Cummings family to continue their important work of Itzel reporting on Patrick’s continued journey with trying to master walking down a flight of stairs without falling.