Mary Moore Robbin's Medical Bills
Donation protected
Tuesday, June 23 began with no hint what life changing events would happen that day. It was a normal day for Mary Moore Robbins and everyone at Southern Barter Exchange. When Kenn Flemmons, SBX President, returned to the office late that morning from a meeting with a new member, Mary was sitting at her desk with her head in her hands. When asked if she was alright, Mary looked up with a dazed look on her face and said “No. I can’t see.” This was the opening line to an ordeal that continues to this day.
Mary had a stroke that morning. A trip to the hospital emergency room confirmed it. Mary could only see shapes and colors. She could tell when someone was talking to her by using her ears to tell which direction the voice was originating. The hospital told Mary that she had a mild stroke and that many of her issues (lack of vision, slurred words, and her right hand not functioning properly) would correct over time. But they also told Mary that another stroke was coming. The only unknown was when a second, more damaging, stroke would happen. Unfortunately, Mary did not have to wait long. A second and stronger stroke would strike Mary just two days later. This second stroke caused paralysis in the entire right side of Mary’s body, so severe that she could not walk. Her speech was totally affected.
Mary was admitted into a rehab hospital where she remained until the insurance funding ran out. Then she went to live with her sister who has provided a stable home and has been Mary’s caretaker since her second stroke. Her insurance has lapsed. Her savings have been depleted to pay for medical care. Today, Mary needs help.
Mary joined Southern Barter Exchange as Office Manager in March of 2002. In her position, she touched hundreds of people. Mary was always quick with an offer to help others when questions arose. Many times, she would personally deliver items to people to save them a special trip to pick something up. She was a pleasant, cheerful voice for hundreds of SBX members when they called. Mary was and still is a shy person, preferring to let others take the public roles while she did the work in the background. She was a solid employee, rarely was she not the first person to arrive at the office in the morning. Rarely did anyone have a cross word with Mary. In fact, since she has had the strokes, many have called our office to inquire about her health. Mary was dependable, positive and honest. Now, today, she needs us.
Throughout this ordeal, SBX Members have asked what they could do to assist Mary. We’ve set up this GoFundMe page to give people a way to help. Please give as much as you can. At this point, Mary has no income and is swamped with medical bills. Southern Barter has kept Mary on the payroll and paid for her insurance coverage long after her strokes. Now, each of us can help too as individuals. Mary did not ask us to do this. But it’s the right thing to do. For a treasured employee. For a good person. For a friend.
Mary had a stroke that morning. A trip to the hospital emergency room confirmed it. Mary could only see shapes and colors. She could tell when someone was talking to her by using her ears to tell which direction the voice was originating. The hospital told Mary that she had a mild stroke and that many of her issues (lack of vision, slurred words, and her right hand not functioning properly) would correct over time. But they also told Mary that another stroke was coming. The only unknown was when a second, more damaging, stroke would happen. Unfortunately, Mary did not have to wait long. A second and stronger stroke would strike Mary just two days later. This second stroke caused paralysis in the entire right side of Mary’s body, so severe that she could not walk. Her speech was totally affected.
Mary was admitted into a rehab hospital where she remained until the insurance funding ran out. Then she went to live with her sister who has provided a stable home and has been Mary’s caretaker since her second stroke. Her insurance has lapsed. Her savings have been depleted to pay for medical care. Today, Mary needs help.
Mary joined Southern Barter Exchange as Office Manager in March of 2002. In her position, she touched hundreds of people. Mary was always quick with an offer to help others when questions arose. Many times, she would personally deliver items to people to save them a special trip to pick something up. She was a pleasant, cheerful voice for hundreds of SBX members when they called. Mary was and still is a shy person, preferring to let others take the public roles while she did the work in the background. She was a solid employee, rarely was she not the first person to arrive at the office in the morning. Rarely did anyone have a cross word with Mary. In fact, since she has had the strokes, many have called our office to inquire about her health. Mary was dependable, positive and honest. Now, today, she needs us.
Throughout this ordeal, SBX Members have asked what they could do to assist Mary. We’ve set up this GoFundMe page to give people a way to help. Please give as much as you can. At this point, Mary has no income and is swamped with medical bills. Southern Barter has kept Mary on the payroll and paid for her insurance coverage long after her strokes. Now, each of us can help too as individuals. Mary did not ask us to do this. But it’s the right thing to do. For a treasured employee. For a good person. For a friend.
Organizer
Kenn Flemmons
Organizer
Little Rock, AR
