Gina's Stroke Recovery

Hi, my name is Peggy Merkes and I am fundraising for my niece Gina Burbey.

On 11-22-23, our beloved Gina faced a life-altering moment when she was air lifted to UW Madison Hospital due to stroke symptoms. Gina was having difficulty breathing on the flight and had to be intubated. At UW hospital her neurosurgeon performed two critical surgeries to combat blood clots that had seized her brain's blood flow. On Nov. 23, 2023 her 32nd birthday, Gina's fate hung on a fragile thread, held together by hope and prayer.

After enduring 5 challenging weeks in the hospital, Gina now finds herself in a chronic rehab facility in Chippew Falls, WI, battling the aftermath of a stroke that has left her in "locked-in syndrome." Gina's cognitive thinking was not harmed but her body was unable to move except for rolling her eyes up to respond yes to a question. Despite the initial bleak prognosis, Gina has defied the odds, displaying partial movement in her limbs. With a tracheotomy and feeding tube in place, Gina faces a daily room charge of $625 beyond the initial 30 days covered by insurance.

Before this ordeal, Gina, a vibrant and intelligent young woman, cherished her dog, cat, family, and friends. She reveled in hikes, long walks with her dog Sini, gaming, and the joy of experiencing love for the first time. Gina's journey to recovery is lengthy, and we appeal to your kindness to aid her family in shouldering the weight of mounting medical bills and ongoing treatment. Your support means the world to Gina and those who hold onto the hope of her resuming a "normal" life. God Bless.