Hi all! I’m Natalie’s mother and trying to help her during this difficult time. She is facing brain surgery on May 8 to replace the valve in the shunt in her brain. We are praying that is all that will need to be done. The doctors will also check the catheters that drain the cerebral fluid; any issue there would mean a longer hospital stay and recovery.

Natalie has bills due from her diagnostic appointments and previous hospital stay. In addition, the hospital wants her to pay a $2500 copay the day of surgery. She has insurance, but the deductible is very high and Vanderbilt would not offer her any financial assistance. It seems they only look at your income and don’t take expenses into account.

On top of the medical bills, she will be out of work for a minimum of a week, possibly much more, and will have no income as she doesn’t have, and can’t get at this time, short term disability.

If you know Natalie, you know her story. She has come so far and worked so hard the past few years to turn her life around. She has a good job, is smart, a hard worker, and an amazing mother. She has had more than her share of difficulties of all kinds and keeps going.

Asking for help from others is hard, but nothing to be ashamed of. We were put on earth to live in community and help each other. If I could supply all her needs myself, I would, in a heartbeat. But I don’t have the financial means to do that.

I was a single parent of 3 when Natalie was just a baby and I received all kinds of help. I have not forgotten all the kind individuals who blessed me and my children as we went through some tough times. And I know, if you are able to help Natalie and Liam through this rough patch, she will never forget either.

Thank you for thinking of Natalie and Liam, praying for them, and giving to help them. God bless!