Update from Belle Taylor-McGhee, 2-26-25

This fundraiser is for Mary “Belle” Taylor-McGhee, a close personal friend whom I worked with at KING-TV in Seattle. She is a longtime reproductive justice advocate and reporter for Ms. Magazine.

UPDATE from Belle Taylor-McGhee, 2-26-2025

"One day, and hopefully soon, I will write an article about Alabama's healthcare system and the challenges of navigating your healthcare while sick.

As many of you know, I contracted a bacterial infection in my right hip in early November following an injection for pain in my lower back. From emergency surgery and hospitalization to address the problem to intense physical therapy, the infection, and the pain remain as I undergo more tests and treatment to get me well. Moreover, a second surgery will be scheduled soon while my healthcare costs continue to climb.

In fact, the intense pain that I have endured has managed to achieve what no one or nothing has ever been able to do in my life. That is to keep me from doing the things I love the most, including writing, challenging, investigating, and demanding answers and accountability from the gatekeepers and their allies. Yet with all my being, I am determined to prevail physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Your financial help will make things easier. If this is something you can do at this time, please click on the link below. Meanwhile, thank you for all the support, prayers, and good wishes." - Belle

---------------------------------------

Belle has suffered a medical emergency and health insurance is not meeting her medical needs.

In November, Belle went in for a regularly scheduled injection for back pain. A few hours later, she was in excruciating pain, rendering her helpless and immobile.

In the local emergency room, Belle and her husband were told the problem was a bacterial infection in her right hip, stemming from the injection she had received earlier in the day. Belle was transferred to the Orthopedic and Spine Tower of Huntsville Hospital in Alabama for emergency surgery.

After surgery, Belle was sent to a local rehabilitation facility for physical therapy and antibiotics. But after a few weeks in rehabilitation, the pain was still pronounced, and there was no significant improvement.

Adding to the stress of her recovery, the insurer has now stopped paying 100% of the cost.

Belle still faces a very slow healing process and the McGhees are asking for help to pay for the escalating costs of her stay in the rehabilitation facility until she is strong enough to return home.

100% of donations (minus service fees) go directly into Belle's account. Any amount is appreciated.