Support Michelle’s Fight for Health and Stability

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$1,300 raised of 

Support Michelle’s Fight for Health and Stability

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Hi, my name is Kayleigh, one of my best friends named Michelle has been hospitalized and needs help, this is what is happening.

One moment can change everything.
On January 3rd, 2025, Michelle’s life was violently and irreversibly altered. What should have been an ordinary day ended in a brutal attack by another woman—so severe that Michelle had to be airlifted to Atlantic City Medical Center. Doctors were met with a terrifying reality: extreme swelling of the brain and internal bleeding so severe they could not immediately determine its source. That single act of violence left Michelle with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)—and began a year-long medical crisis that continues to escalate.

Since that day, Michelle has been fighting for her health, her stability, and her family.

Over the past year, Michelle has suffered five TIAs (thalamic strokes)—commonly referred to as “mini strokes.” These episodes come without warning and leave her experiencing Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding others. Confusion or disorientation. Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes (blurred vision, loss of vision, or double vision). Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking. Sudden severe fatigue. Sudden headache with no known cause. Each episode has required hospitalization, disrupting her life again and again.

Tragically, on December 31st, Michelle suffered yet another TIA—this time resulting in a much longer hospital stay. While hospitalized, she experienced four additional strokes. Doctors remain unable to determine the source of the blood clots causing these events. Compounding the danger, Michelle also has a serious heart condition, including a stage 6 heart murmur and a damaged heart valve, making treatment decisions incredibly complex and risky.

The only treatment option presented to her was stroke-prevention medication—however, one of the known side effects is fatal. With no clear answers and no safe long-term treatment plan, Michelle was discharged. Shortly after returning home, she suffered two more strokes.

At this point, Michelle’s only option is to seek specialized neurological care at Jefferson Hospital, where specialists may be able to determine what local doctors could not.

Despite everything her body has endured, Michelle has shown extraordinary strength. Over the past year, she built her own successful cleaning business, proudly running a small but mighty crew of three. She worked hard to create something stable for herself and her family. Unfortunately, due to her worsening symptoms—including numbness, slurred speech, and cognitive impairment—she is currently unable to work.

Against her wishes, I have started this GoFundMe, because the reality is unavoidable.

Michelle is a mother of three children, a devoted pet owner to several dogs, and a provider—just like so many of us. Bills don’t stop for medical crises. Her girlfriend, Jay, is now carrying the full weight of household responsibilities alone while also supporting Michelle through constant medical emergencies.

The funds raised will go directly toward basic necessities—housing costs, utilities, food, medical-related expenses, and caring for her children and pets during this overwhelming and uncertain time.

Michelle has always been the person who shows up. She has gone out of her way to help me—and countless others—without hesitation or expectation. Now, she is the one in need.

If you are able to donate, any amount truly makes a difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser so we can reach more people in our community.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, prayers, kindness, and compassion during this unimaginable journey.

Organizer and beneficiary

Kayleigh O’Neill
Organizer
Rio Grande, NJ
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