Support Alice Salzone's Healing Journey

Dear Family and Friends,

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts but hopeful spirits to support an extraordinary woman, our mom, Alice Salzone. Many of you know her as Alice the owner of Urban Coffee in Greenlawn. If you've frequented our store, you'll notice her absence as of the last several months. Our dad, Lou, has also been frequently absent as he has been her main caregiver throughout the whole process.

Last year Mom fiercely battled throat cancer. She endured daily treatments of chemotherapy and radiation, with my Dad by her side the entire way. This was not without complications, as she suffered many terrible side effects that still affect her today. Her vocal cords were damaged by the radiation, making her lose her voice entirely.

This past July we got the wonderful news that she beat it and there was no evidence of cancer! We were elated and thought the hardest part was over.

As the side effects of treatment continued after treatment ended, some of them required lengthy hospital stays. In August Mom was rushed to the hospital and admitted due to an extreme airway obstruction caused by lymphedema. She was intubated and placed on a ventilator for several weeks. To save her life, an emergency tracheotomy was placed to bypass her throat so she could breathe. She also suffered two pulmonary embolisms, contracted viral pneumonia and became septic. After the tracheostomy was placed she stayed in the hospital for multiple weeks and was transferred to a rehab to gain the strength back that she lost from all of these major complications. Her weight plummeted to a low of 66 pounds, causing her to be so weak and frail she could no longer walk. In rehab she had to learn to speak with the trach, swallow, and is slowly regaining the ability to be mobile.

Last Monday, she was released from the rehab center home to us. Insurance believed that since she was able to get herself up from the bed that she was well enough to come home and continue care. This has not been the case, as she now needs 24/7 care and monitoring. She was sent home with an oxygen machine that is needed 24/7, suction for her airway and countless other treatments and medications. The spare room in their home looks like a small triage center. Dad has now become her full time caregiver.

The amount of care that is needed for her far surpasses the level that we can provide on our own. We are looking to hire a specialized nurse for her to continue care at home until she's better. Insurance has also denied that, and private pay is the only route we can take.

Mom has always gone above and beyond for her family, friends, customers and our community making everyone feel like part of her family. Unfortunately, the medical bills from her treatments are mounting, and she needs our help. If we can lessen the burden of the medical bills we can devote more time to aiding in her recovery. The pressure of round-the-clock care with limited help has made it impossible to keep up with everything.

We humbly ask for your help in supporting our Mom so we can get her the care she needs. Every dollar raised will go directly towards covering her medical expenses and having a private nurse help care for her, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—her recovery. Thank you in advance for helping us and for your continued support and love throughout this time!

With love,

Lou, Ali, Nicky & Lou Jr