I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend, Lonna Stuart. She is in urgent need of surgery, and I’m hoping together we can help relieve both her medical and financial burden.

Lonna needs tubes placed in both ears right away. The swelling and pressure in her ear canal and cochlea are causing severe neurological symptoms that look like strokes. She has been experiencing slurred speech, memory loss, inability to complete basic tasks, and she cannot safely drive or work. The only solution is surgery — and it’s needed immediately.

The cost is overwhelming: $1,100 per ear if paid in cash, or $6,500 to meet her insurance deductible. Without this procedure, she simply cannot regain her health or return to work.

Anyone who knows Lonna knows how fiercely independent she has always been. As a single mother, she raised two children on her own, all while dedicating decades of her life to serving and caring for others, including hundreds of patients in the mental health community. Asking for help is the last thing she would ever want to do — which is why I am asking for her.

Right now, she has exhausted all of her PTO at a new job and is unable to work. Her partner, Ian, is caring for her and also unable to work at this time. This has left them in a very difficult position, and without support, the surgery she needs feels out of reach.

Please consider donating to help cover her medical expenses. Every dollar goes directly toward her care and recovery. If you cannot give, sharing this fundraiser means so much.

Thank you for showing her the same kindness and generosity that she has shown to so many others.