If you know our mom, you know her from Perkins — the busy bee who has been a waitress there for as long as most of us can remember. She’s the familiar face who remembers your order, checks on everyone, and never stops moving.

On Sunday, everything changed. She suddenly developed right-sided weakness and was unable to speak. Her husband and son acted quickly and got her to the hospital, which likely made all the difference.

Doctors initially found blood clots in her brain. Thankfully, those clots resolved and her symptoms improved, but the search for answers has continued. She has been hospitalized at Wesley Hospital and has undergone extensive testing, including a CT scan, MRI, bilateral lower leg Dopplers, an echocardiogram, and is currently awaiting a TEE.

What we know so far is that she has a hole in her heart and mitral valve regurgitation. While these conditions are manageable, the situation has been made much more stressful because she had recently stopped her health insurance — meaning her entire hospital stay and testing are out of pocket.

During this time, both she and her husband have had to take off work. They have a son still living at home, a grandchild they love dearly, and two more grandchildren on the way. On top of everything, she recently fulfilled a lifelong goal by purchasing the home she had rented for many, many years, hoping it would allow her to eventually retire without the burden of rent payments.

We are asking for help to ease the financial strain of unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing expenses while she focuses on healing. Any amount helps, and sharing this fundraiser means more than you know.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support for our mom during this difficult time.