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Shelli's DeLIVERance

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Aloha family and friends. I am reaching out because I am in need. Many of you have reached out to me as well, offering words and encouragement and wondering what is going on. This gofundme group is designed to answer many of those questions for family/friends/concerned individuals and also let you know how you can help.

Backstory: I was injured at work august 2016 while rescuing 2 children from sex traffickers, with Honolulu police department. At the time I was a social worker for Child Welfare Services (CPS). I suffered multiple physical injuries. As a result I was not allowed to return to work and needed to go through workers comp. In October 2016 the Kaiser workers comp doctors did a MRI and found a tumor in my liver and did not inform me. They then referred me to acupuncture and a week after my tumor ruptured while I was in LA for Christmas December 2016.

My liver condition: Once my tumor ruptured I was transferred from Kaiser to UCLA for emergency surgery. It was discovered that I had 20+ tumors and I would need several surgical treatments before I would qualify for transplant. Doctors say the Liver condition can be life threatening. I have undergone multiple treatments and  surgeries (surgeries: December 2016, June 2017, November 2017, and June 2018) I am awaiting the next move. It is our family’s prayer that the TUMORS DIE and I will NOT need any transplant. The most recent surgery took place June 12, 2018 and there was complications due to a staph infection and catching pneumonia in the hospital.  I was paralyzed and had seizures during my recovery. I also could not swallow, stand, or walk for a portion of my recovery. I also experienced kidney failure and almost ended up on dialysis. My kidneys and liver are still recovering. There is an open investigation as to whether I was sexually assaulted while unconscious in the hospital AND if I was given the proper treatment by the admitting medical team at UCLA.

My work situation: I was place off work initially due to the work injury, following that, the liver diagnosis and further discovered medical concerns. I was told by my employer that I would be covered as long as I was being treated. I found out that there were several mistakes made on the behalf of the state (my employer) and falsified reports from the Kaiser Doctor and I was cut off from workers comp as of June 14, 2017. In the midst of recovering from surgery I was able to secure employment with the Department of Education in August 2017. My job was to help disenfranchised students with mental and behavioral health needs. The grant money that funded my job was reallocated and I was laid off June 30, 2018 while I was recovering at UCLA. I now need money to pay COBRA in order to keep my medical insurance and continue my medical treatments.

My worker's comp case: I was able to retain a lawyer to help me with my case and I also got another doctor assigned to my case. The new doctor is going on record saying that the assault that took place more than likely caused bruising to my abdominal cavity which lead to the liver rupture. In addition the Kaiser doctor failed to report any of the liver concerns that were raised. Also, the lawyer I retained ended up having cancer and needed to withdrawal from the case. So now I have a great doctor, but no lawyer. The state of Hawaii has hired lawyers against me and have tied me up in litigation for over a year. I have to represent myself until I can get another lawyer. I go to trail on this case December 2018.

Action: I am raising money for my monthly expenses, medical expenses (COBRA, out of pocket treatments, transportation, proper medication/food). I am currently also looking to retain a lawyer for the mistakes made by my employer and the workers comp doctors’ malpractice. I now have a medical bill at UCLA that I tried to get assistance for and have been denied. I have been denied food stamps. Hawaii doesn't have a state disability benefit plan and I am not working at the present.  

I want everyone to know that I appreciate all the prayers and calls and cards and text messages. I am asking for monetary help as a last resort. I am utilizing GoFundMe because I am learning that there are others who have interest in liver conditions, medical malpractice, worker's comp issues, and abuse of patients who cannot take care of themselves.  I would also like to start a support and research group for liver conditions like mine.

The social worker in me wants to continue to fight against every system that hurts people, but the Michelle in me prayed and He said “you have not, because you ask not”. This is me asking

You can donate by:
GoFundMe
Venmo- @Michelle-McDow
CashApp- Michelle $Cashtag $shelli808
Credit Union Shared branching-DM for details 
Checks-Made to Michelle McDow. Mailed to P.O.Box 481 Waianae HI 96792
Gas cards, pre paid cards, love notes- Mailed to P.O.Box 481 Waianae HI 96792
Anything you can think of! Mahalo!

Shelli’s DeLIVERance

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Donations 

  • Alacine Deschler
    • $500
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Michelle Nicole McDow
Organizer
Waianae, HI

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