Medical transport & related expenses

Hi, my name is Cassie Yoder. I am Kendra Yoder’s sister-in-law. Kendra and my 4 year old niece, Kinley, were in a car accident on April 24th, 2023. Kinley had no injuries and we are thanking God everyday for that! Unfortunately, Kendra was not able to walk away from the scene. She fractured L1 and T11 and crushed T12. She fractured her floating ribs and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. She was life flighted from the scene and had emergency spinal surgery.

She has had many setbacks since. She was diagnosed with a genetic blood clotting disorder after the first surgery. This has thrown a wrench in her progressing and healing. Hematomas formed on her spine on 2 separate occasions which both needed an emergency operation to re-open her spinal incision and evacuate the hematomas. She since has been dx with pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis in bilateral lower extremities and abdomen, and superficial vein thrombosis in arms bilateral. She had an inferior vena cava filter placed to “catch” blood clots to prevent them from moving to the heart or lungs. She had a procedure called a venogram on 5/28/23 to break up and remove blood clots in abdomen and lower extremities. The blood clots have caused her to have decreased function in her lower extremities. At this point she has sensation in both legs, but can only move her right leg. She has not been able to move her left leg since the accident. She is alert and orientated with some cognitive deficits related to her traumatic brain injury (like memory and attention span). She has been in tremendous amounts of pain on and off throughout her healing journey, but it has subsided and is manageable with her current medication regimen and with the removal of the blood clots. She has been in the hospital for 6 weeks and has been on strict bed rest the majority of the time. This last weekend she was able to get up in a wheelchair and be pushed around the hospital. YEY!!

Kendra and Derrick have 3 beautiful girls; Khiera (15), Kenzie (10), and Kinley (4). As you can imagine, they have a lot on their plate right now. Derrick has been working and doing his best to spend as much time with the kids and Kendra. He has been commuting back and forth from home to Fargo several times a week. The food and gas (as we all know) add up fast.

Kendra’s neurosurgeon is recommending Mayo for her physical rehab program because of the severity of the injury. He has sent a referral. Her blood levels are now in therapeutic range to prevent clotting and her heparin IV drip has been discontinued. She is now medically stable to be transported/transferred to the next step in her recovery! Transport will be an out of pocket expense. Greg, Kendra’s dad, received quote for $1,600-$1,800 to transport her from Fargo, ND to Rochester, MN. They are hoping to transfer her this week!

We are asking for financial support to bless Derrick and Kendra for their needs during this time. Number one priority is transportation to Mayo from a professional medical transportation company that can ensure her transport is as safe as possible. Other financial needs include: gas and food for when Derrick and the girls visit, hygiene products for Kendra during her stay, new loose fitting clothing for Kendra, daycare expenses to help Derrick while the kids are out of school, and other medical expenses, such as equipment that insurance will not cover for when they are ready to come home.

In addition we would like to thank all of our friends, families, etc that have been such a support to this beautiful family these last 6 weeks. It’s been a tough road for them and every ounce of support is needed and appreciated. You are seen and your love and support do not go unnoticed. Thank you for believing and praying with us for a miracle in their lives. Thank you in advance to everyone that gives. Words cannot express our gratitude!