Support for Stephanie: 9-1-1 Hero in Crisis
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My name is Hattie Strickland, and I am reaching out on behalf of Stephanie Anderson, one of our dedicated 9-1-1 Telecommunicators at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR). Stephanie is a hardworking public safety professional, a mother of three, and the primary support for her family. Her husband is disabled, and she is now facing significant financial hardship due to a series of serious and unexpected medical events affecting both her household and herself. As many know, 9-1-1 telecommunicators are the unseen first responders who provide life-saving instructions while units are en route, thus providing vital support for our community in its darkest moments. Now, one of our own needs our support.
On December 3rd, Stephanie’s son underwent surgery, and due to the severity of his condition, required additional interventions and remained hospitalized. He needed respiratory therapy, breathing exercises, and physical therapy to relearn how to move without using his upper body. For weeks, he required nearly total assistance with daily living, which placed major physical and financial strain on the household during the holiday season. While coming into work when able, Stephanie experienced her own medical emergency and was transported by rescue to the hospital, where an emergency surgery was performed. She was hospitalized for several days, but just one day after being released, she was again transported by rescue to the hospital with post-surgery complications. In the weeks following, she faced repeated complications, difficulty accessing follow-up care due to her surgeon’s absence, and was unable to obtain the necessary paperwork to return to work. Despite her efforts, she was told nothing could be completed until her surgeon returned in January. While recovering, she suffered a fall in the bathroom, injuring her back, which added to her challenges and delayed her recovery further.
During all of this, Stephanie has been out of work, supporting a disabled spouse, a recovering post-surgical child, and three children at home. Medical expenses are mounting, income has halted, disability processing is delayed, and household repairs are needed after her fall. This has created a situation where bills are stacking, medical needs continue, and the family is in a very fragile financial position. We are asking for donations to help this family with rent, utilities, food, household necessities, medical bills, prescriptions, and to help bridge the gap during this temporary loss of income.
Our 9-1-1 telecommunicators spend their careers supporting others through emergencies. Right now, one of our own is facing an overwhelming emergency of her own — and we have the opportunity to step up for her just as she has always done for our community. Thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing.
On December 3rd, Stephanie’s son underwent surgery, and due to the severity of his condition, required additional interventions and remained hospitalized. He needed respiratory therapy, breathing exercises, and physical therapy to relearn how to move without using his upper body. For weeks, he required nearly total assistance with daily living, which placed major physical and financial strain on the household during the holiday season. While coming into work when able, Stephanie experienced her own medical emergency and was transported by rescue to the hospital, where an emergency surgery was performed. She was hospitalized for several days, but just one day after being released, she was again transported by rescue to the hospital with post-surgery complications. In the weeks following, she faced repeated complications, difficulty accessing follow-up care due to her surgeon’s absence, and was unable to obtain the necessary paperwork to return to work. Despite her efforts, she was told nothing could be completed until her surgeon returned in January. While recovering, she suffered a fall in the bathroom, injuring her back, which added to her challenges and delayed her recovery further.
During all of this, Stephanie has been out of work, supporting a disabled spouse, a recovering post-surgical child, and three children at home. Medical expenses are mounting, income has halted, disability processing is delayed, and household repairs are needed after her fall. This has created a situation where bills are stacking, medical needs continue, and the family is in a very fragile financial position. We are asking for donations to help this family with rent, utilities, food, household necessities, medical bills, prescriptions, and to help bridge the gap during this temporary loss of income.
Our 9-1-1 telecommunicators spend their careers supporting others through emergencies. Right now, one of our own is facing an overwhelming emergency of her own — and we have the opportunity to step up for her just as she has always done for our community. Thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing.