My name is Heather and I have spent my life caring for loved ones at their most crucial times. I was recently discharged from LVHN Carbon and was diagnosed with a rare condition called Median Acruate Ligament Syndrome (the arteries in my stomach are being compressed by my Celiax artery causing severe pain and inability to eat due to having more pain after I eat. I am scheduled to see a surgeon in Philadelphia on August 15th at 10:45 with Dr. Sami Tannouri MD. at Jefferson Hosp. I am unable to work due to this condition. I took a leave of absence from work 3 years ago to take care of my mother. I found my mom in her home confused and sick when I had gone to visit her. I decided to spend the weekend at her home with her and monitor her to try and figure out what was going on. She seemed to be getting better by Sunday and I was scheduled to work the next day. Her roommate had come home and told me he would be there until Tuesday and would call me if needed. So that evening, I returned home. I went to work in the morning and then rested and took care of what my family needed. The next morning, I went back to my mom's. When I arrived, her vehicle was gone and no one was answering the door. I had a key, so I helped myself in to find the house a mess. Mom's roommate wasn't there and mom had herself locked in the bathroom. After 2 long hours, my mom finally opened the bathroom door. She was a mess and worse than I had found her the first time. I took her to the local hospital and after many tests, the doctor came into the room, sat down, and began to tell me his findings. The doctor told me he was diagnosing her with PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) and that there was no treatment nor cure. A rare brain disease caused by her cancer medicine. He then asked me if my mom could be transferred to Bethlehem for further testing to make the diagnosis 100%. I agreed and mom was transferred. My mom walked into that hospital with me and a month later, after numerous tests and doctors, mom was in fact diagnosed 100% with PML and I was told her life expectancy was 3-6 months. Mom went downhill very fast during her stay in the hospital. In one month, she didn't walk, talk, nor could she take care of herself anymore. Hospice services were put into place and I moved mom into my home and took care of her for 9 months. She passed away on 3/13/2022. Needless to say, it was my choice to take care of mom and I had used up all of what little savings I had to live during that time.

Last year, I was at work and my grandfather was admitted into the nursing facility I was working at. A few days later, my grandmother was also admitted into the same facility. I became their POA and when they were released, I decided again to take care of loved ones so they didn't have to move into a nursing facility. Pap was a double amputee with the same health issues. Nan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's with Dementia. They wanted to be in their own home. Services for home care were arranged for the two of them and it was determined that Nan needed someone with her 24/7. I decided to move in with them to help take care of them both. In January of this year, my grandfather suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on the 2nd. Only 11 days after Pap passed, my grandmother passed away on January 13th. I again have spent what little savings I had built in the prior 3 years after mom's passing.

I learned that my grandparents left their home to me in their will. The house was built in 1900 and is in need of a few major things, so I am struggling to come up with the finances needed to get those things done, which are: electric rewiring of the entire home, insulating the home, as well as needing some other repairs. I also need to pay inheritance tax, the property taxes, and obtain homeowners insurance. I am currently not well and have been battling a stomach issue that has prevented me from working the last month. I am currently still sick and seeing multiple doctors and having testing done. I can use some help. I also have inherited 2 dogs and 4 cats due to the passing of my mom and grandparents, that I am now struggling to provide for as well as provide for myself and also to pay my rent, which is $1025.00 a month, plus I pay for the home heating oil. I don't ever ask for help; however, I really need and would appreciate any help I can get. Thank You Kindly in Advance!