Support Kimberly's Stroke Recovery

My name is Amanda Hood and I am creating this GoFundMe for my cousin/ my sister from another mother Kimberly Ray, (my best friend) and her family.

On Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve afternoon Kimberly suffered a Ischemic stroke while laying in bed playing, tickling and making funny videos with her autistic daughter Emma.

After getting treated for this stroke at SIH Herrin Hospital, she was transferred to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO where Kimberly remained in Barnes-Jewish Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center for a full week under 24-hour care with her husband Tim and mother Doretta who never left her side.

Kimberly has continued to make small improvements day by day and as of 12/29/23, she was transferred out of the Barnes-Jewish Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center and into SIH Herrin Hospital Stroke Rehabilitation, While we will celebrate the small wins, Kimberly has lost vision in her right eye, some speech function, use of right-side motor skills and more. Kim will require extensive care and rehabilitation from all of the damage these strokes have caused.

The Ray family has a long road ahead of them and we have decided to create this GoFundMe to help offset some of the many medical expenses they face for Kim’s recovery, aiming to get the best care possible.

Throughout her life, Kim has always put others first. She is always the first one to speak up and lend a helping hand when a family member, a friend, or even a stranger is in need, and she never expects anything in return. Beyond her family, she has touched and changed countless lives, And she always did it with a smile.

Funds from this campaign will go strictly to Kim’s rehab and recovery from these strokes, and any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Kim and the rest of the Ray Family are the kindest, most generous and most thoughtful people, and they deserve all of the help that they are always willing to give others. Please keep Kim, Tim, Garret, Ethan, Emma and Faith the entire Ray Family in your prayers. Thank you for any help you can offer.