Merlinda’s fight against Moyamoya disease

I’ve created this fundraiser for my mother Merlinda Lipp who was recently diagnosed with a rare progressive cerebrovascular disorder called Moyamoya disease. This awful disease is caused by the blockage of arteries at the base of the brain. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone double revascularization brain surgery in hopes to help open up the blocked arteries, ease symptoms, and prevent serious complications that would've inevitably become fatal without it.

Although the initial surgery was a success, she is currently facing many complications.

 She suffered another massive stroke and severe brain swelling that has resulted in a longer recovery period than any of us could’ve anticipated.

 The swelling reached a point to where surgeons had to open her skull back up and remove a bone flap.

 The stroke has caused severe damage, leaving doctors to believe that she will not regain to full function on the right side of her body.

 All of this damage also interferes with being able to breathe on her own. She was placed on a ventilator and nasogastric feeding tube for 2 weeks, but since she had exhausted the recommended time for being put on those treatments; they had to place a trache into her throat to assist with breathing, as well as a new gastrostomy feeding tube placed in her stomach for sufficient nutrients for survival. Doctors still aren’t certain if she’ll be able to breathe on her own. We don’t know if she’ll even be able to speak again.

 After the tracheotomy, Merlinda's fiancé Brian spoke with doctors and case workers to discuss rehabilitation plans. The hope is to have her set up in a rehabilitation center that specializes in traumatic brain injuries within the next few weeks. We are still waiting on a bed to open up at a treatment center that is unfortunately 2 hours away from home. If they are unable to open up a spot for her there, her other options would be placement that is 5 hours away; in NYC or Pennsylvania which will be a significant difference in travel time for our family.

 Brian has been by her side since day one of her diagnosis. The hospital that specialized in this type of surgery is approximately a 2-hour trip one way. He has made multiple trips back and forth to try and juggle taking care of their 6-year-old daughter and also be there to support my mother.

The cost of lost wages, gas, lodging, and meals has been a tremendous hardship on the family and will continue to be when she is placed into rehabilitation.

 We hope to raise funds for future medical expenses, out of town travel and lodging, as well as living expenses.

 We remain strong and optimistic for improvement in Merlinda’s recovery. We thank you for taking the time to read her story and would greatly appreciate any support you are able to give; including prayers, and well wishes throughout this challenging time in our lives.