Please help Becky Stone recover from a stroke

UPDATE 6/7/23:

Becky should move into a regular room tomorrow! This is wonderful news- I know she will be more comfortable with less machines and feeling more hope for her continued improvement and recovery. She is still at risk for stroke and bleeding, (which she did have a tiny bleed the other day), but we won't think about that now.

In a few more days, when the swelling in her brain diminishes, she will move to the stroke rehab facility in the hospital for several weeks. Becky is such a badass, strong woman- I know her will to regain her mobility and speech will help her overcome the mountainous task ahead.

She can already do so many things! She was able to stand for a minute with support yesterday. She can brush her hair, and her teeth, feed herself, and even write a little with her left hand. The speech therapist is working with her to communicate with gestures and signs. Although she can't speak yet, she knows who she is, her family, her birthday...

And she can sing! Of course she can- fun fact- she is a karaoke performer.

The part of the brain that controls her singing voice, and holds the song sheets is ready to GO! I wonder if the PT knows she is also an avid bicyclist, league bowler and experienced iceskater, with the goal to skate the canals, if not in Amsterdam, somewhere cold enough to do that safely.

Becky's wish list at this point is short: see her kids, and get strong enough to be able to drive or fly home to Santa Fe.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Once home, she will likely need modifications to their house, medical devices for mobility and daily living, and lots and lots of help.

The slew of medical and hospital bills, outpatient care, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, out-of-network denials, the arduous process of applying for disability if that is her situation... Ugh.

But at this moment, right now, Becky's family is celebrating. We are thrilled at her progress and grateful for the outpouring of love and support. THANK YOU!!!!!

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Hi I’m Judy,

My sister Becky had a major stroke over the weekend, & she needs the help, love and support of her family, friends, clients and community. All funds raised will go directly to Becky & Matt.

Please share this message .

Becky had a stroke last weekend, while on a trip with husband Matt, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. She is active and healthy, but had felt short of breath the past few weeks, and wondering if she was developing asthma.

After a day of biking in Utah, Matt noticed that Becky showed signs of a stroke and called 911. The nearest hospital that could handle her case was over 50 miles away, and the weather was too stormy to fly, so she had to go by ambulance.

Becky is in ICU, in St George, Utah, nearly 600 miles from home, unable to travel in the coming weeks (months?) Matt is at her side, but their two sons are home in Santa Fe, longing to see their mother.

Status- Becky has a long recovery ahead, and will need extensive rehab and support. Every day brings new skills, but sometimes setbacks. Currently, she has aphasia, and limited use of the right side of her body. She has a feeding tube-(the face she made when they told her she needed it!) to prevent aspiration and pneumonia.

Becky’s speech therapist, occupational therapist, and team of nurses & doctors are working hard to help her heal. Becky’s husband and parents are there with her constantly, holding her hand, talking to her, singing with her. (Her birthday was a couple weeks ago and she can join in on the chorus for Happy Birthday). She wrote “I ❤️Mom” with her left hand during OT.

Hopefully, Becky will be cleared to graduate in the next week from ICU to a regular room, then on to an inpatient rehab facility in St George, where she will receive intensive PT & OT for several weeks. She may be a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but this won’t be covered by insurance and the treatments are expensive.

Everything work related is on hold while Becky is not strong enough to travel home from Utah. Meanwhile there expenses for hotel, meals, travel to bring their sons out to see their mom- Costs and needs are piling up.

Becky is a talented & solidly booked massage therapist, working in private practice and at the beloved Ten Thousand Waves Spa for over 20 years, but she can’t work for the foreseeable future. Matt is committed to stay with Becky in Utah and will burn through his leave by July 1st. As hard as they work, they need both of their efforts to survive.

Becky & Matt’s household is usually the spot for family gatherings, birthday parties and BBQs, and feels like a second home to many friends and family. Since the stroke, though, the house is quiet. Their eldest son, who is a young adult, is thrown into the role of temporary parent, and will take care of his brother, who is still a high school student, until Becky & Matt can get home. (Grandma will help too.) Their new normal may be very difficult in the coming months.

All who have met her know that Becky is brilliant & beautiful & stronger than anyone in the room. She’s a fierce lover of family, gardening, cooking, and also an avid reader. She has a heart of gold. So much kindness.

Please donate & share, to help their family make it through this period of recovery. Thank you

#massagetherapy, #tenthousandwaves, #santafe, #jamesmadisonuniversity, #fauquierhs