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Tamera Smith's Medical Fund

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I am fundraising for my cousin, Tamera Smith and her family:  Howard, husband; Abigail, 15-year-old daughter (soon to be 16-year-old on 3-15-15), and Braden, 10-year-old son.  Over the past three months, Tamera’s medical issues have turned into life-threating conditions.  During this time, Tamera has been unable to work as the blood clots at the base of her brain were putting pressure on her optical nerve which was causing her to lose her sight.  As the buildup of pressure was not being relieved by medication, a brain shunt procedure was performed last week.

 A brain shunt is a narrow piece of tubing that is inserted into the brain in the fluid-filled ventricle. The tubing is then passed under the skin into another area of the body, most often into the abdomen. The shunt tubing relieves pressure on the brain by draining the extra fluid in the brain ventricle(s) to a different area of the body where it can be absorbed more quickly.
 

The first surgery (3-2-15) was unsuccessful; therefore, a second surgery (3-3-15) was required to change the angle of the shunt.  Again, that surgery was unsuccessful and she was having labored breathing which required her to go into her third surgery (3-5-15) immediately.  During this surgery, a new shunt was placed in her spine to allow for drainage.  The doctors decided to keep her sedated and on the ventilator as she experienced a collapsed lung which required a chest tube.  They also chose to leave her in this state to allow her body to rest from the stress of multiple surgeries in one week.  She has been labeled in critical condition in the ICU since the latest surgery, but is making small improvements. I saw her today (3-9-15) and the breathing tube was removed and also was not on any pain medication.  However, she was still quite groggy and could barely talk because of a very sore throat.  She will be in ICU for a couple more days and then a recovery room for several more weeks.

As you can imagine, the medical bills are going to be astronomical.  The family has also incurred additional expenses, such as hotel stays and meals, to be able to be by her side.  I can only image the overwhelming stress on Tamera’s family concerning the uncertainty of her health and the soon to come financial burden.  We, their family and friends, have the awesome gift of helping them in their time of need.  I know Tamera and Howard will humbly and graciously accept any amount that you may be able and willing to give.

It has been a great blessing for me to see God in every up and down of their journey.  I thank you in advance and please keep them in your prayers as there is still a long road ahead  for them.

God Bless,
Christina Walker
 

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Donations 

  • Brenton Travis
    • $25 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Christina Crabtree Walker
Organizer
Columbia, MO
Howie Smith
Beneficiary

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