Major update: On September 6, 2022, Marnie had a cardiac event and was taken to the hospital, but the lack of oxygen for an extended time caused a brain injury that left her unresponsive and on life support. The next day she passed peacefully from this world with a loved one by her side.

If anyone wishes to give a gift in her honor, it will go straight to covering the remaining funeral costs (roughly $3400). I have now changed the goal to reflect the amount already given + the remaining funeral costs. If more is given, it will be donated in her honor to a charity supporting brain health (to be determined soon).

Thank you so much for your support and care for my Mom!

Original story:

Let's help Marnie regain her brain and live well again! Hospitalized and discharged without answers, her condition remained undiagnosed due to Covid-19. Until now...

Marnie Ring, aka "Lucky" is one of a kind. She is one of the most generous, kind, fun-loving, passionate, and energetic people I've ever met. True, I'm biased because she's my Mom, but anyone who knows her would agree in a heartbeat. She has always loved nature, the blues, making jewelry (and giving it away), and fighting for the underdog. Making friends wherever she goes, she has always loved lifting others up.

With boundless energy, she could keep up with anyone, and always used her energy for good. A force to be reckoned with, it seemed that nothing could stop her.

And then.

everything.

changed.

In January we heard from neighbors that something was off...Lucky just didn't seem like Lucky.

By the middle of the month, she was in the hospital and very confused. When the doctors sent her home in February, she seemed a bit better, but the diagnosis didn’t make sense. Determined to find the cause of her condition, we found a good neurologist and testing began.

Until coronavirus stopped everything.

So, Marnie waited at home without answers. Then, perhaps providentially, she fell off a step stool and landed back in the Emergency Room. 

This time we pushed hard to get the neurological workup finished, and she ended up staying almost all of May. Finally, after more than four months since things went south, we had a diagnosis that made sense!

Marnie has Neurocognitive Disorder as a result of Severe Cerebral Atrophy. 

Simply put, her brain is dying, and a lot is already lost. It affects her thinking and personality so much that it's almost like we've lost her...but, it's not too late!

The good news? In the right environment, with proper care, she could actually regain some of what she lost.

The doctors said that she now needs 24-hour care, and while we hope for improvement, we know they are right. With lockdowns in place, we hoped we could find her the right place in time.

And we did!

She moved in last week and already loves it.

But there's still one obstacle; she cannot afford to stay. 

Before any of us knew that she was vulnerable, Marnie fell victim to a cybercriminal. The thief was able to wipe her out completely, and I mean completely. 

He took everything from her accounts, stealing every last dollar of her life savings, leaving her only with debt. 

Now, Lucky, one of the most generous and kind people you could know, is in need of kindness and generosity herself.

Each day undiagnosed was an opportunity lost, but now we have answers. Together we can help her receive the loving care that is her best chance to rebuild her brain and regain her life. Will you be a part of lifting Lucky?

Aside from the debt (which we hope to find a way to settle), Marnie is $900/month short for the care that she needs.

I set the goal at $10,800 because that covers her for one year of care. Of course, if more is donated, every $900 = one month of care!

Anything you can do to help would be so appreciated. Whether $1 or $1000, anything you can give gets her that much closer to having the care she needs. You can also help spread the word by sharing with your friends, and on social media using #liftinglucky in your post. These are big needs, but we can do it together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are you, and why are you starting the Lifting Lucky campaign?

The Lifting Lucky campaign for Marnie Ring was started by her son, Vance Yzbick, at the suggestion of some of her friends. We simply want to help her pay for the care she needs.

This photo is of Vance and Marnie in February after she came home from the hospital:

2. Who will administer the funds raised by the campaign?

Vance Yzbick, Marnie's son (who has Power of Attorney), will hold and administer all funds raised by the campaign. He will use a secure, dedicated account, and keep detailed records.

3. Does Marnie have health insurance?

Yes, Marnie has Medicare. Sadly, Medicare does not cover the cost of Residential Care Facilities.

4. What is the prognosis? Will Marnie be able to return home?

It is too soon to say. Marnie will continue meeting with neurologists to determine the cause of atrophy (which will give us a clearer picture of the prognosis and path ahead). There is the potential for neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells) but, even with improvement, it is not likely she will regain full independence.

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If you would like more information or have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to send me a message!

Thank you for taking the time to read Marnie’s story. In these days of the pandemic, there is suffering of every type, and many people are in need. If you know Marnie, think of her generous heart, and what she would do for others in a similar situation. Even if you don't know her, please consider helping a truly generous person who now must rely on others.