Support Laura's Heart Recovery Journey

On Monday, March 17, our world changed in an instant. My mom was riding in the passenger seat of her friend Bill’s car when she suddenly felt what she thought was a panic attack. But in reality, her heart had gone into a dangerous rhythm. Moments later, she lost consciousness. Bill acted fast—he pulled over, got her out of the car, and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. They had to shock her heart to bring her back. Thanks to Bill’s quick thinking and the emergency responders, my mom survived—but she has a long road ahead.

She has been in the hospital ever since, spending several days in the ICU. She is now awake and recovering, but the impact of the cardiac arrest has been significant. She had two stents put in to improve her heart function and is healing from broken ribs and a sternum fracture caused by the CPR that saved her life. She will also need to adjust to a whole new reality—managing newly diagnosed diabetes, adapting to a strict medication regimen, and undergoing physical and occupational therapy to regain her strength.

One of the biggest challenges she now faces is the next three months. She will need to wear a special vest that acts as an external defibrillator—if her heart stops again, the vest will deliver a life-saving shock. This period will determine whether she needs an internal defibrillator implanted permanently.

Beyond the physical and emotional toll, this medical crisis has placed a huge burden on our family. My mom is the heart of a multi-generational home, where she cares for our elderly grandmother and helps raise her two young grandchildren. With her unable to work and facing an extended recovery, my sisters and I have stepped in to take care of her responsibilities. The biggest weight has fallen on my sister, Jasmine, who lives in the home—she is now caring for our grandma, her own kids, and helping coordinate our mom’s medical care. While we are doing everything we can as a family, the financial strain is overwhelming.

We are hoping to raise $30,000 to cover medical bills, home care needs, and expenses while our mom recovers. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make an incredible difference in ensuring she gets the care and support she needs.

If you are able to contribute, we would be deeply grateful. If you aren’t in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us.

Our mom has played the role of matriarch and caregiver for many years, putting the family’s needs before her own. Now, she needs our help. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

Sierra