Hi Friends & Family,

It's been three years this month since our mom's severe stroke that propelled us into urgent care for both her and our sister Mary. In the last three years I have taken on Guardianship and full-time care for my amazing little sister, Mary. I am thankful to have had really good jobs during this time that enable me to care for her and myself. But even with a good job, there are limits to being a single sibling caregiver. I carry the full expense and financial needs of Mary's life, housing, food, clothing, school fees, care fees, living expenses and more. She receives $794 monthly in Social Security, but I am fully responsible for her needs. I am grateful that I can support her quality of life.

Over the past year, Mary's medical and care needs have escalated rapidly - as many of you know, she's been hospitalized three times since October 2021. We've spent a total of 5 weeks at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she's received best-in-class care. Mary now suffers from heart and respiratory failure, walking out of those medical crises. I've been able to secure most of the medical equipment she needs for her daily life.

Yet, a portable oxygen concentrator is a critical piece of equipment she needs every day and will enable her to travel to see our Mom. Due to the pandemic, there is a severe shortage of these. Since November of last year, my sister Sarah and I have tried to obtain one that is 1) available and 2) falls within her insurance coverage. We have been unsuccessful even with a nationwide search.

We have found one that is available that we can purchase outright from a medical company in California! The total cost with a warranty is $3,100. The current portable tanks we have last one hour and require 6 hours to refill. A portable o2 machine can give her support for up to 10 hours a day. Massively increasing her ability to exercise and move with ease and supporting her quality of life.

Additionally, I need to finalize the full transfer of her guardianship to Tennessee from Washington State. That effort will cost $3,000 in Legal Fees. Those needs combined, we humbly need to ask our community for help.

Here is a breakdown of the need:

We believe in thoughtful gratitude and community and want to give back to you for helping us in this season! Mary is an avid artist, and we have recently launched Hendricks & Pines Apparel to support her long term life. Here is an overview of incentives for your generous gifts:

Thank you for considering supporting these needs for Mary! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email redacted]

With Gratitude,

Suzanna