Hello,

The family and friends of Nell Pittman would like your help in this fundraiser to support her ongoing in-home care needs. On the cool evening of Thursday, January 2, 2020, after finishing a walk at the local community center, Evernell “Nell” Pittman, age 73, went to one of her favorite restaurants to purchase dinner for herself and her husband. While at her vehicle, an unknown assailant struck her multiple times in the head with an aluminum baseball bat in what is believed to have been an attempted carjacking. After being assaulted, Nell had the strength to walk back into the restaurant to ask the owner to “call my husband, call my daughter and call the police because I was just assaulted.”

Nell was transported to UNC Lenoir Emergency Room via EMS. Although initially, the family of Nell Pittman thought she would be alright because she was conscious and coherent, within an hour of accessing the severity of the injuries, she was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC, for life persevering care. An emergency craniectomy (partial skull removal) was performed to relieve the swelling due to the attack's impact. For hours Nell’s immediate and extended family waited and prayed together. The surgery was successful, and Nell was in a coma and on a ventilator. Although in a coma and fighting for her life, Nell’s family and friends spoke life to her. On January 11th, her 74th birthday, the ventilator was removed, and she went 25 hours without any assistance from the ventilator.

Within two weeks, Nell was transported to a post-acute care facility. She was in a coma but breathing independently with minimal oxygen assistance. On February 7, 2020, Nell’s left eye opened, just one day after family, friends, and community members gathered for a prayer vigil. On February 12, 2020, Nell was transported to a rehabilitation facility to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy. Very slowly, Nell was on the road to recovery.

March 13, 2020, the family was informed that the rehabilitation facility was closed to all visitors until further notice due to COVID-19. The family was devastated because they were accustomed to visiting Nell every day, but now, they could only see her from afar…from the window.

Finally, on May 22, 2020, Nell returned to her house, but this time she had a traumatic brain injury; she was nonverbal, immobile, and unable to participate in her self-care actively.

Nell requires around-the-clock total care, and unfortunately, she falls in a “notch” group of people (people that are over income for Medicaid assistance but don’t have enough to pay for all out-of-pocket expenses). Initially, Nell’s sons and daughter cared for her totally, but the caregiving requirements have been more than they could handle alone. Over one year and 11 months, the family has depleted all her savings, returned the handicap accessible van, and now has come to the point of asking the public for help.

The family initiated several fundraising campaigns, such as the #NellPittmanStrong t-shirt and mask sale. They have applied for Medicaid, the TBI State Funding through local LME/MCO, NC In-Home Aide Services program and completed the Crime Victims Compensation Commission application in 2020. They are currently on the waiting list. The family has exhausted all known resources.

The family’s determination to provide Nell with the best in-home care has led them to initiate another fundraising campaign called Nell Pittman Day “Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser & Senior Resource Fair.” This event will raise funds for Nell’s care, highlight local resources for aging adults and caregivers, and bring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness.

All donations are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks in advance, and God bless.