August 2023

Hello friends, I want to thank you all for your support in so many ways. You contributed so generously to the GoFundMe that we substantially surpassed the initial goal. I have made significant progress on my own and can now walk further and recently began to drive. So I did not think I would have to make this new request.

Due to the bureaucratic morass resulting from needing to go out of state for the surgery, I still have not received any rehabilitation services, including the cardiac rehab that I was entitled to for open heart surgery.

The costs for my Care Manager were more than anticipated. A professional and experienced PT, she was the connecting thread through all of this, providing continuity between my dear cousin Bax and good friend Barbara, who were with me before and after my surgery in Houston. My Care Manager also kept in touch with all the doctors in Houston and then accompanied me back home to Boulder, where she continued to accompany me on follow-up doctor visits.

She arranged for assistance by a caregiver in my home for a couple of days (I live alone). She also made my house accessible in the bathroom and kitchen, which should have been taken care of by the rehab services. All of this took more of her time than initially anticipated.

Looking ahead, I still need cardiac rehab, which includes monitoring by nurses and other health practitioners, which is crucial to regain my strength and assure I don’t have a heart attack in the process.The availability and cost of this is still unknown, and it is unclear whether my cardiac rehab will be out of pocket and, needless to say, very expensive.

And so: The Adventure Continues. If you are able to contribute for unanticipated and unknown expenses, including the extra costs for my care manager, beyond what was budgeted (and generously provided by an anonymous donor), it will be appreciated.

Thank you again, with gratitude,

Sherry

How the Adventure Began - June 2023

I have been diagnosed with an unusual condition, a cardiac lipoma, which is a rare benign tumor composed of mature fatty cells. I therefore need to travel to Houston Methodist Hospital, where I have been referred to a two-surgeon team with a stellar reputation in this kind of specialized cardiac surgery. I’m told that after the surgery I will be in an ICU unit for a couple of days, and then in the hospital for recovery until I’m released.

Friends have set up this GoFundMe page so that anyone who wishes to help cover the expenses for a friend(s) to be with and support me during my time in Houston can donate. These contributions will also help cover additional expenses that won’t be covered by my Medicare insurance plan.