Please help Mom of 4, Barbi King fight rare brain disease.

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

We come to you today with a critical plea for help. We are the friends and relatives of Barbara Ann King, lovingly known as Barbi. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to share her story and ask for your support.

Barbi is a vibrant 37-year-old mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend whos life has taken a devastating turn when she was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating disease called Moyamoya following a massive stroke, leaving Barbi immobile, unable to speak, eat, or care for herself. As of now, the full extent of the damage is still unclear, and the information we receive it's quite fluid and changes by the hour.

To put it in the simplest terms, Moyamoya disease is a rare, incurable, cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the progressive narrowing of the arteries and their major branches, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.

As the primary arteries narrow, the brain attempts to compensate by forming new, smaller blood vessels (collaterals) to maintain blood flow. This inadequate blood supply has been identified as one of the causes of Barbi's stroke.

Last week Barbi was rushed by ambulance after her sister FaceTimed with Barbi and immediately notice her symptoms. This was followed a heroic 911 call made by her son Dylan. Their awareness and quick actions may have saved this from being a very different story. Barbi has been transferred to a hospital in Pennsylvania, where she faces a tough road ahead. Next week, she is scheduled to undergo two brain surgeries, one on each side of her brain, to improve blood flow and begin her recovery. Following these surgeries, Barbi will require extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic skills like walking, talking, and eating. Her journey to recovery will involve long-term care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which will be crucial to her healing.

Barbi's family— mom Nancy King, sisters and brother, Jon and their four children, Dylan, Gavyn, Jakob, and Olivia—have been by her side in the ICU patiently waiting there turn to see Barbi and show her their love and support throughout this ordeal.

Which brings us to why we are here.... As you can imagine, their family is facing a tremendous emotional and financial burden. With Barbi unable to work and Jon's income also affected, their financial situation has become increasingly strained. The hospital is over two hours from their home, adding significant travel costs and the need for long-term accommodations to ensure the family can stay close during this critical time.

We are asking for your help. Your donations will not only assist with uncovered medical expenses but will also help support the family's day-to-day costs, including travel, housing, and any necessary care during Barbi's recovery. Even the smallest contribution can make a profound difference and help ease the burden on this beautiful family.

We Understand.

We know how times are so tough for so many, and we truly appreciate any support you can offer—whether it’s a financial contribution, prayers or simply sharing Barbi's story. Your kindness and generosity will provide hope and strength to Barbi and her family as they navigate this unimaginable journey together.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering supporting Barbi. We are forever grateful for your love, prayers, and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude & love,

Barbi's Brigade