Hello, my name is Chrissy and I'm creating this GoFundMe on behalf of the Howard Family, in particular for our friend Micala. We've been friends that are family for almost 29 years! Micala is a teacher, who specializes in working with middle school students with autism.

On her birthday, June 6, Micala went in for surgery to help alleviate some of the awful symptoms she lives with on a daily basis due to her endometriosis. Everything seemed to go great, and she was sent home to recover. Her recovery was complicated when about a week later, she had flu like symptoms and was sent to the ER. It turns out that she had an infection causing serious complications. They got her in for surgery, which they hoped could be laparoscopic, but they had to open her up. Her abdomen was full of infection.

She is currently in the ICU, and just today, 6/21, almost a week after her emergency surgery, she is out of heavy sedation and has had her breathing tube removed. This is definitely cause for celebration! Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of what will be a lengthy recovery. Micala's kidneys are now not functioning the way they are supposed to. She is on dialysis, she has had an ileostomy, and her surgical wound remains open- which means that she has quite a long road ahead of her.

Her parents had just made a cross country move out to California 2 days before her surgery, so as you can imagine, they haven't even had a chance to settle in. They and her sisters, as well as aunts and cousins, have all been by her side or helping with what they can. They are exhausted.

The funds raised here would directly benefit her immediate family. They would be to help with gas, meals out/at the hospital, and eventually, to cover the bills that her insurance does not. This money would also go towards paying her rent. No amount is too small, and even if you are unable to assist financially, please share this in hopes of spreading the word that she needs help. Regardless of donation, your prayers would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration and possible donations, I cannot express my gratitude enough.

*UPDATE 6/26:

Micala is still in the ICU. Her Drs are trying to figure out why her white blood cell count keeps rising. Her kidneys are still not functioning properly. She has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now. Please continue to pray for her healing.

*UPDATE 7/10:

I am so excited to share that after 28 days in the hospital, Micala has been cleared to go home! She has made great progress. Her kidney function still has not returned to normal, and she will require dialysis 3 days a week, a visiting nurse 3 days a week, as well as PT and OT. Please continue to support her and the family in whatever way you feel led. Your continued prayers for her recovery are appreciated and the family is beyond grateful for everyone's generosity during this time.