
Support Cyndi's Stroke Recovery Journey
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Friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,
I am reaching out with a heartfelt plea to support someone who has given so much to our community, our dear friend and family member, Cyndi. On January 23, 2025, she faced an unexpected medical emergency, a massive stroke, that has dramatically changed her life. She is now working hard to regain her independence, but faces significant challenges.
Cyndi’s stroke has left her temporarily paralyzed on her right (dominant) side, and she is learning to speak and write again with her left hand. A dedicated family member has moved into her home to serve as her full-time caregiver since insurance does not cover in-home assistance. In April, she was admitted to a rehabilitation facility due to her declining health, and her journey to recovery is ongoing. Throughout her life, Cyndi has been a beacon of kindness, generosity, and positivity. Her infectious spirit has touched many lives, and her dedication to helping others is an inspiration. Now, it’s our turn to support her during this difficult time.
About Cyndi
Cyndi is a lifelong citizen of West Milford, NJ, with friendships for over 50 years. She raised 2 beautiful children. Cyndi’s dedication to fostering connections and brightening people's days through her work in local grocery stores, starting with Pathmark of Kinnelon, Stop & Shop of Wanaque, and Shop Rite of West Milford. Her presence in the community is cherished.
The Urgent Need
The stroke has left her with substantial medical expenses and a daunting recovery process. As she heals, she is unable to work, and temporary disability is still awaiting determination, which has added to the financial strain. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to cover her medical bills and support her during her rehabilitation years.
How Your Contribution Will Help
• Covering the costs of her medical bills, equipment, and transportation
• Paying for ongoing medical treatments and medications
• Assisting with daily living expenses during her recovery
• Providing support for rehabilitation and physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
Join Us in Making a Difference
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Cyndi’s journey to recovery. Your generosity and kindness will not only ease her financial burden but also uplift her spirits and give her hope. We have seen the power of community come together in times of need, and we are confident that with your help, Cyndi will overcome this challenge.
Please consider contributing to Cyndi's Stroke Recovery Fund. Share this page with your friends, family, and social networks to spread the word.
Together, we can make a difference and show Cyndi that she is not alone.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and compassion.
Warmest regards,
UPDATE June 2025
Cyndi is working incredibly hard every single day to regain her independence. One of her toughest challenges right now is communication. After her stroke, she developed aphasia—a condition that makes speaking, understanding, reading, and writing difficult. It’s deeply frustrating for her, especially because her mind is sharp. She knows exactly what she wants to say—she just can’t get the words out.
But she’s making progress. Physical therapy comes to the house twice a week, and Cyndi can now stand on her own for two full minutes. That’s huge.
Your donations have already made a real difference. Thank you.
Now, a big next step: Cyndi has been introduced to an AAC device from Lingraphica—a speech-generating tool that helps people with aphasia communicate. It lets her express herself in new ways, practice speech and comprehension, and rebuild confidence. And the best part? She’s already doing incredibly well with it.
We're so proud of how far she’s come—and we’re just getting started. So excited to share with you the next update!

Organizer and beneficiary
Maria McDonald
Organizer
West Milford, NJ
Cynthia Cassidy
Beneficiary