Katherine Can't Do It Alone

Story

It’s a high-wire, high-stakes balancing act unlike any other. For years, Katherine has fought against bureaucratic red tape to care for her daughter Hannah who suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Now on the edge of reaching for a stabilizing solution, Katherine has to take a leap of faith. Hannah’s doctors have recommended deeper, more consistent help through a Traumatic Brain Injury Neurobehavioral Program. There are very few of these pricey programs. But Katherine, an adept researcher has finally found a path to make that happen. The problem is: To get Hannah these life-changing services, Katherine will be forced to give up the part-time, poverty wage she’s paid by New York State, and the housing subsidy that doesn’t even fully cover rent. Even though these meager government assistance don't fully support Katherine and Hannah, without them they can't survive. Katherine has to give up these limited supports they currently receive to access the program that will heal her daughter. This mother has agreed to this uncertain fate because:1. like any parent, she wants her daughter to have the best life possible, and 2. she trusts that caring people like you will once again rally to support her.Will you help Hannah get the services she deserves?If you don’t already know Hannah and Katherine, here’s a bit about their story so far. Eight years ago, at age 16, vibrant high school sophomore Hannah Berryan tried to cross the street. A simple act so many of us take for granted turned into a life-changing moment when a reckless, uninsured driver ran Hannah over. In an instant, the animated model and country-music lover was struck down. Left in a coma for days that stretched into weeks and then months, the promise of her bright future dimmed as time revealed the extent of her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Through it all, Hannah’s mom Katherine has been by her side. She gave up her career. She gave up their home and moved into a single-room shack, where she slept on the floor. She sought help from New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) but received no answer. No formal denials, no paper trail, just dead ends - despite a lifetime of earning wages and paying taxes into the system.Katherine’s world became smaller and smaller as each refusal from our broken safety net meant she had to make more personal sacrifices. She’s provided the unwavering and unconditional love that only a mother can - but after nearly a decade without meaningful support from social services, she’s burned out and at a breaking point. Powerless to the complex range of symptoms TBI causes affecting her beloved daughter- from vision loss and confusion to depression, anxiety, and aggression - Katherine took up the fight for services and justice for all New Yorkers. Through all the years of poverty and heartache, Katherine has fought New York State for legislation to protect ALL New Yorkers with TBI and WON. With support from State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Katherine’s quest for fixing New  York’s tattered safety net has made significant strides. Thanks to State Senator Hinchey and her office, a legislative solution to the bureaucratic red tape has been developed. Bill S.7356 formally calls for a study into the delivery of services to people with TBI - and just passed its vote in the State Senate. You can learn more about the bill Hannah inspired and its status here . The ripple effects of this bill, among other incidents of injustice, also led New York Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint a new Commissioner to the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.But this family's healing journey is far from over.Katherine and Hannah still need help.Last fall, people like YOU answered her call.Working with Pro Bono attorney March S. Gallagher, Katherine began exploring new options. First, they’d need to move out of the Hudson Valley to access TBI specialists, services, and supports. After researching TBI treatment and research centers in New York, they identified Long Island as the best option. Though it meant leaving her lifelong home in Ulster County, Katherine jumped at the new chance to help Hannah heal. Living on the poverty wage of $11/hour as Hannah’s caregiver, Katherine couldn’t make the move alone. But with a groundswell of support from people like you, Katherine and Hannah moved to Long Island - to a comfortable home with separate bedrooms and a farm next door where animal-lover Hannah has made four-legged friends. Chief among them is her therapeutic connection with Spirit, the horse. Caring for Spirit provides much-needed joy and focus for Hannah and fortitude for Katherine.As intended, their big move also made a big difference in accessing new doctors and neurologists affiliated with top research universities and hospitals. Hannah has a dedicated home visiting doctor and neurologist. In Long Island, Katherine has been able to put some of the pieces together to get Hannah the treatment she needs.Now, Katherine needs your help to reach for their biggest opportunity to date.TBI is a complex and challenging condition to care for - whether you’re a committed mother or a trained healthcare professional. Its ranging symptoms are further complicated by the mental and emotional toll the condition takes on those who suffer from it. Frustration, confusion, and depression can all lead to aggressive or violent behavior. Eight years without consistent treatment has worsened Hannah’s condition, and pushed Katherine to the brink. Based on what they’ve observed, Hannah’s care team is now recommending deeper supports through a Traumatic Brain Injury Neurobehavioral Program. It’s a major investment, but the doctors believe Hannah can not only improve but go beyond previous expectations of recovery.This means that Katherine will need to make yet another major sacrifice to make this happen. To qualify for the level of health coverage needed to get Hannah into these expanded services, Katherine will need to give up everything. She’ll give up her income. To date, she’s barely made ends meet through her official job as Hannah’s caretaker - making just $11 per hour. That will stop.She’ll give up the modest housing subsidy that keeps them housed. While that subsidy is a fraction of her monthly rent, it’s helped stretch each dollar earned. That will stop.Letting go of what little she has - Katherine needs help to reach for their next best and biggest opportunity.Hannah will be transitioning to one of the nation’s top-rated TBI facilities for therapeutic and restorative care. There, she’ll have access to transformative practices and life-changing treatments. Working with industry-leading specialists, Hannah will be empowered to reclaim her life - and Katherine will get the support she has long deserved. This path is their best option for addressing the aggression, trauma, and losses that eight years without appropriate care have caused. It’s an incredible opportunity to heal a family who’s lived on the edge for nearly a decade.We’ve already seen the catalytic power of our community united. Working together, we’ve helped this family - and in turn, countless others experiencing TBI. Can we come together again, and help Katherine provide Hannah with the tools to achieve a real and lasting transformation?Katherine is about to give up everything and will need help to keep Hannah housed, fed, and connected to the world.They urgently need $17,270 for three months of living and travel expenses. Looking to better understand these costs?     • Rent, utilities, car payment and insurance, cell phone service, and internet connection total $4,090 per month / $12,270 for three months    • Hannah’s healthcare and wellbeing costs total about $1,000 per month / $3,000 for three months            Includes dental premiums and copays, for damages stemming from her coma            Includes contact lenses, since her behavioral challenges make glasses impractical            Includes chiropractic care for spine health            Includes horse fee, for therapeutic time with Spirit - Hannah’s greatest joy    • Travel between home and Hannah’s care facility, including gas, tolls, and lodging will cost an estimated $2,000. Will you help Katherine step forward and make this life-changing connection?If so you can:    •. Donate here. Make a one-time gift, -or- a sustainable, impactful monthly gift.     •. Donate via check. If you'd prefer to mail a check, please email Katherine  for best mailing address      •. Donate Hilton Honors Points. If you have a Hilton credit card or Hilton membership you can donate your points to Katherine . It’s free and easy for you - and tremendously valuable for Katherine to visit Hannah in treatment.Katherine and Hannah want to thank you from the bottom of their hearts. they know they could not be doing this without community support.