Help Brianna Recover from a Devastating Stroke

On May 18, 2025, my niece Brianna suffered a life-altering medical emergency. While working her part-time job as a server, her coworkers noticed something was wrong — her speech was slurred, and the left side of her face had begun to sag. They quickly called 911, and Brianna was rushed to United Hospital.

At just 36 years old, Brianna and our family were devastated to learn she had suffered a stroke. Doctors acted quickly, administering Alteplase (tPA) to dissolve the clot and prevent further damage. At that time, Brianna still had some movement on her left side, and we were hopeful.

But by the next day, her condition worsened. She had lost all feeling on her left side. The doctors informed us that the clot was deep in her brain, making surgery impossible. They continued IV treatment and held out hope that intensive physical therapy could help her regain function.

On May 20, we received a glimmer of hope: though she still couldn’t feel her left side, Brianna was able—through intense concentration—to make small movements with her left arm and hand. Thanks to this progress, she qualified for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation, an intensive physical therapy program offering five hours of therapy a day, six days a week.

Brianna is an outgoing, funny, and loving mom who has always put her four kids—ages 18, 13, 5, and 3—at the center of her life. She's the mom always on the go, driving from practice to game, supporting every goal, every dream. Tragically, she missed her oldest child’s high school graduation ceremony—something that breaks her heart. But it’s also a powerful motivator for her recovery—she’s determined to be at his graduation party and return home to her children.

In the meantime, her kids are staying with different family members, and we’re all pulling together to support her as best we can. But the financial burden is immense. Brianna and her partner Tommy already work two jobs (full-time and part-time) each to make ends meet before the stroke. Now, their future is filled with uncertainty.

Hospital bills are expected to exceed $100,000. Rent, car payments, insurance, food, and childcare expenses continue to pile up—on top of the emotional stress of recovery and caring for four children.

That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe. We’re asking for help to ease the financial pressure so Brianna and her family can focus on what matters most—her healing. Your donation will go toward:

Brianna has a long road ahead. None of us know exactly what her recovery will look like. But what we do know is that she’s a fighter—and she’s surrounded by people who love her and believe in her.

With your help, we can give her the space to heal without the crushing weight of financial worry. Any amount helps, and even if you can’t give, please share this campaign with your community.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers.

With gratitude,

Aunt Laurie