I’m Debra, and on April 13, 2025, my life unexpectantly changed in less than a second. I had a stroke. I’ve been a nurse for 20 years and that day, I ended up in the Emergency Department. I was at work when it hit me: a POP felt in my head, immediate headache, vertigo, vomiting, double vision. Now, after time an ICU and a rehabilitation hospital, stroke symptoms still affect me every day. I’m the main bread-winner in our family, and have been on Leave Without Pay since June. This trauma has not only turned my world upside down but also created an unimaginable challenge for my family. The road ahead might be long and uncertain.

I can do hard things, but sometimes I need others to help. So, here I am.

Since the stroke, I've been going to physical and occupational therapies every week, sometimes twice. Walking is a challenge, because I have a "drunken gait" (not kidding), imbalance and ongoing vertigo. Every step takes concentration.

My brain is building new neuropathways to compensate for the dead area of my brain. I'm supposed to do puzzles and read for my neuro-therapy. My brain gets tired and fatigued quickly!

My quality of life is affected. I can't work, I can't even drive! This summer hasn't had bike rides, kayak trips, or hiking. Steven did buy me a hand-made walking stick, though.

In 2006, I had breast cancer surgery and treament. We used most of our savings during that ordeal. Now, 19 years later, we're facing medical bills and treatments again.

You may not know, we're living in a rural area of the White Mountains in Northern Arizonza. When my stroke happened, I was flown to an ICU in Phoenix, and all my follow-up appointments are there, too. So, any donation you provide would go toward:

Along with the physical and emotional toll, this crisis has placed a heavy financial burden on us. Being on Leave Without Pay has only made things more stressful.

Any donation, big or small, will directly ease our financial stress and allow me to focus on healing and recovery. If you aren't able to give financially at this time, sharing this campain would mean a lot to us.

Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts.

Debra & Steven