Lillian Clarke, (Cookie) palliative care expenses

My dear friend, or as Cookie says, my sister, has entered a time in life that has presented fear, the unknown, and ultimately a part of life that is inevitable. Lilian (Cookie) Clarke has been placed in the care of Hospice. When I try to find all the words to describe how much this woman has fought through her life, I find myself unable to pull together enough words that would encompass her bravery. Cookie has been living with congestive heart failure (CHF) for over 20 years. She has endured surgeries, near death experiences, countless doctor visits, as well as hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. As of now, there is nothing more that medical intervention can do to prolong my sister’s life any longer than God’s plan.

Cookie and I have been neighbors for over 8 years, but it wasn’t until 2.5 years ago that I sat down on her porch and we talked and talked, and continued talking and laughing. It was as if at this moment in life, I realized we age on the outside, but on the inside, we are still the silly, sassy, smart, caring, kind, loving humans we have always been. That is Cookie. She served in the military when women were first being allowed to serve, a strong black woman. Cookie would tell me stories of boot camp, how she had sniper training. Unfortunately, after she left the military, this was before the Law for Veterans Affairs Act had some changes, including civil rights legislation as well as becoming a federal department. The law was approved by Reagan in 1988; however, Bush enacted the law in '89.

My dear friend has been with no veteran assistance. With the little social security she takes home, she pays out of that her Medicare. Never did she take from the government assistance programs.

As I write this, Cookie has been taken to the hospital an hour or so ago; she had fallen. At this time, Cookie is unable to walk without assistance. I decided to put this together as a way to show my support for my friend, my sister. All funds will go directly to the benefit of Lilian Cookie Clarke. No amount is too small or unappreciated.