Project: Bring D’Erica Home

Hi, my name is Arrica Weatherall, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my daughter, D’Erica Weatherall.

D’Erica is 34 years old. Before everything changed, she was a joyful, passionate school teacher who loved children and lived a full, independent life. Today, she lives in a nursing home, unable to walk or stand, fully dependent on others for her daily care — all due to a preventable medical mistake that turned our world upside down.

Nearly two years ago, a doctor mistakenly struck a valve in D’Erica’s heart, causing her to slowly bleed internally without anyone realizing what was happening. She became gravely ill, and we went from doctor to doctor trying to find the cause. By the time we finally got answers, it was almost too late.

She underwent emergency heart valve replacement surgery. Just two days after the procedure, D’Erica’s heart stopped. She coded and had to be resuscitated. She was placed on a ventilator, developed pneumonia, and then her kidneys failed. She now lives with an artificial heart valve, a pacemaker, and Stage 4 kidney failure. She requires round-the-clock care and multiple therapies.

She also suffered a stroke that caused brain damage and now uses a wheelchair full time.

And now, D’Erica is in heart failure.

Despite all of this, D’Erica is still here, still fighting — and she wants to come home.

But right now, our home is not medically equipped to support her needs.

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Why We Need Help:

We’re in the process of applying for Medicaid and a Medicaid Waiver, which will eventually allow a nurse or home caregiver to assist me. But in order to get her out of the nursing home and back with her family, our house must first meet state accessibility requirements.

That includes:

• Widening doorways to 36 inches for her wheelchair

• Accessible bathroom modifications (her chair must be able to fit in the bathroom, and we need a tub or shower she can safely use)

• Structural adjustments that the state won’t cover, even though they’re essential

We’ve been told the state may provide ramps and grab bars, but timing is uncertain — and I can’t wait to bring her home.

I’m currently working hard to cover her medical costs, her daily expenses (including meals via DoorDash because I don’t have time to cook), and the nursing home bills while still trying to make ends meet.

D’Erica doesn’t yet receive disability or Medicaid. When she does, her lawyers and the nursing home will take most of the back pay to cover her care.

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This is a mother’s plea.

I want to bring my child home where she belongs. She needs her family, therapy, and a healing environment — not just a facility. She deserves better after everything she’s endured.

If you can give anything, please know that no amount is too small.

Every dollar goes toward giving D’Erica the chance to heal surrounded by love.

Thank you for reading, sharing, praying, and supporting us. I’ll also be holding local fundraisers to continue raising what we need.

From the bottom of my heart,

– Arrica (Mom)

#BringDEricaHome | #HelpGetPollyHome