Minea Crawford
Donation protected
Hi Everyone,
I’m reaching out because I’ve been on FMLA leave from work for 3 weeks to care for my 28-year-old brother, a retired Marine, who recently underwent heart surgery to replace his aortic valve. My initial plan was to travel to Richmond, Virginia, to be with him during the surgery and stay for two weeks afterward to assist with his recovery.
Now 3 weeks later my brother is still in the icu and unable to communicate and we didn’t anticipate this outcome, as we expected him to be discharged within 3 to 5 days. Unfortunately, due to the extensive nature of the surgery, he was placed on an ECMO machine—a form of life support—to give his heart and lungs time to rest. After five days, they tested his heart’s ability to function on its own, and thankfully, it passed. He was also dependent on three other machines, but as of now, he’s off three out of the four. He remains on a ventilator until the doctors are confident he can breathe on his own. He was heavily sedated until just two days ago, and I haven’t been able to speak with him since the day of his surgery, before they took him into the OR.
As my brother’s sole caregiver, I’m responsible for making all medical decisions on his behalf. Unfortunately, while I’m here in Virginia, I’m not receiving any income because FMLA only secures your job, it doesn’t provide pay when you’re taking leave to care for a family member. I’m seeking help to cover my living expenses, including rent for my apartment back home in Philadelphia, as well as food and other necessities while I’m here in Virginia. I’m uncertain when I’ll be able to return to work, as I plan to stay here for as long as my brother is in the hospital and needs me. As anyone who knows my brother knows he is the most kindhearted person and will literally give the clothes off of his back to you. He has always been here for me and it is my time to be here for him. I want nothing more than to be able to continue to be by my brothers side to support him because I am all he has and he is all I have. As we loss my mom in 2019 and he loss his dad in 2023 so financial support from family is not a option for us. Any support you can provide would mean the world to us. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Taylor Minor
Organizer
Richmond, VA
Minea Crawford
Beneficiary