Support Cassandra's Critical Heart Surgery Recovery

Help Cassandra Heal: Critical Heart Surgery & Recovery Support

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Main Campaign Description:

Hi, I’m Cassandra, and I’ve just been hospitalized with a life-threatening heart condition. I’m recovering from a severe systemic reaction to poison oak that sent my body into shock, which uncovered deeper complications with my heart — including the need for repeat valve replacement and repair surgery due to Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder I’ve been managing for years.

What’s Happening Now:

• My vitals have stabilized, and I’ve been admitted to the hospital after arriving by helicopter.

• OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) has accepted me for surgery — but the cardiothoracic surgeon is out of town for a week, which gives the care team time to stabilize me.

• My appetite has returned, and I’m no longer in critical ICU status — a sign that things are improving.

• But this surgery carries serious risk, and I have no housing, income, or recovery plan once I’m discharged.

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Why This Is Urgent:

This isn’t a routine operation. It’s a complex congenital heart surgery that OHSU performs frequently, but it still comes with a frightening mortality rate. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive right now, but I need help getting through what comes next.

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I’m Raising Funds For:

• Post-surgical housing so I can recover in safety

• Food, medical supplies, and follow-up care

• Legal filing fees to hold my former landlords accountable for displacing me while I was ill

• Basic survival costs during recovery — I have no income right now

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A Moment of Gratitude:

I didn’t get a picture, but I flew in a helicopter over Mount Hood to get here. It was terrifying and beautiful — a bucket-list experience under scary circumstances. I even threw up. But I’m here. I’m healing. I’m growing.

The hardest part has been realizing just how much I’ve grown up since my last heart surgery 11 years ago. I’m more grounded, more polite, more professional, and more open. Back then, I was grieving deeply and didn’t get the care or support I needed. This time, I’m doing it differently — with honesty and heart.

If you can support me, please do. If you can’t give, please share this with someone who might care.

With deep love and gratitude,

Cassandra