Join the Fight for Teresa’s Recovery

I am putting this fund together for my oldest friend in the world. Her family moved into the house behind me when I was 7 years old and I remember watching her play in the backyard, hoping we could be friends. We grew up and continued to be best friends through junior high, high school, and lived together as we put ourselves through college. We were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings and continued through the years to find time to connect.

20 years ago, when her children were tiny, she discovered she had advanced breast cancer. The doctors worked hard to save her life through chemo and radiation. She fought hard to survive and raise her children. And she did, though the chemo nearly destroyed her heart and kidneys. She has endured so much, but we found out last week that her heart just wasn’t strong enough to keep up, and she entered the hospital.

I consider it a miracle that she was there and with nurses when she had her stroke. She was airlifted by Flight For Life helicopter to a hospital equipped to handle strokes and had an emergency surgery to save her life. She is the strongest, most resilient person I know—and I know she will fight to recover from this setback too, but she needs help. The whole family needs help. Her husband Jason had started a new job but insurance had not kicked in yet. I am hoping this fund will help with supplementing the income lost as Jason has had and will continue to need time off until she comes home. She will need speech and occupational therapy at the very least. I can’t even guess what the medical bills will be. But she needs to know she is loved and cared for, and not to worry about money. If you can donate, even a tiny amount, I know it will make a difference. Thank you!

Update! Teresa was released from the hospital a day before her birthday on June 12th and was able to go home! Unfortunately the medications she needs to recover from the stroke cost about $2000 a month until insurance kicks in—and it is hard to know how much they will cost after insurance is available. Plus the cost of speech and occupational therapy which is so important the first three months after a stroke.

Update! July 5th Teresa has started occupational and speech therapy. The doctors are trying to recommend physical therapy as well because of some issues with strength. The other night she took a tumble due to dizziness. She was bruised and suffered scrapes but thankfully nothing worse. She has a neurology appointment to see if she is able to start cardio rehab for her heart. The new insurance has just begun, but there is a $6000 deductible that must be met first. In short they are far from being out of the woods. But Teresa is staying optimistic—she has been through so much and she feels a renewed lease on life and is moving forward as best she can. This world must really need her as she has cheated death twice now. I’m so proud of her strength and her sweet disposition and resolve to survive yet again.