Julene (Mama) Korak Surprise Stroke

Hey Friends and Family,

My stepmother, Julene Korak, suffered a stroke on August 5th, 2023, just 6 months after her 60th birthday. To say this was a surprise is an understatement.

Julene worked at Bloomington Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Bloomington, IN, where the patients and staff all know and love her for prepping their food and especially desserts. She began to feel dizzy and weak a few days prior, and on the morning of Aug. 5th, showed signs of a stroke and was rushed to the hospital.

The stroke assessment, MRI, and CT scans showed that not only had she suffered a stroke, but Julene's right carotid artery is 100% blocked. Due to the risks involved, her doctors decided to refrain from a surgical proceedings to clear the artery.

Julene spent 4 days in the hospital, and has since been in a rehabilitation facility. We were all very hopeful that she would would make a swift recovery as her spirit was strong. (The above photo was taken during this time.)

During her stay in rehab, Julene fell and was taken back to the emergency room for another CT scan. It showed the brain tissue surrounding the area where the stroke occurred is in necrosis, causing deterioration in muscle and eye function on Julene's left side. Because her condition is deteriorating, we are now asking the doctors to evaluate if yet another stroke has occurred.

Her daughter, Amanda, is using personal sick days to attend Julene through this process because FMLA is not offered to employees of less than 1 year. We are working together as a family to try to attend to Julene's needs as they come up, but financially we are unable to meet the deductible and 20% the insurance will not cover. Each day at the rehabilitation facility costs Julene approximately $400. Sadly, our earlier anticipation of Julene improving has long gone. Julene will likely never work again, even if we can get her to plateau and make improvements. Currently, Julene cannot see through her left eye, is unable to control her left arm, is limited to the bed, and cognitively is in poor shape. If and when Julene is released, she will need at home services to attend to her needs.

We are humbly asking for monetary assistance to cover the cost of Julene's deductible, the daily cost not covered by insurance, and help to prepare the apartment/nursing home in the interim of getting her financial situation secured. Every little bit helps! Thank you in advance for your kindness, thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.