Support Nikki Weit Gamble's Recovery After Strokes

On September 17, 2024, Nikki was suddenly rushed from her job in Amherst to Baystate Hospital via ambulance. After multiple tests, she was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage and bilateral vertebral artery dissection. The dissections caused bilateral cerebellar and medullary infarcts (strokes). She was in the ICU, then transitioned to a rehabilitation facility, and then returned home after several weeks.

When she returned home, she actively participated in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and vision therapy. She made progress with OT and PT, and those services ended. She continues to do all of the exercises she learned to maintain her progress.

However, she continues to need vision therapy. Nikki currently experiences chronic double vision. Her spectacles have a special film on them that allows her to see in single vision, but she still has significant deficits in her vision that prevent her from doing a lot of the things that you and I do on a daily basis without giving it a second thought. Nikki was able to recreate a visual of what it actually looks like for her to see, and those photos are posted to give you an idea of just one way in which Nikki’s vision has been impacted.

And this is where Nikki needs our help!

Nikki had an evaluation with her neurological eye doctor this week and was informed that she will need to complete at least 12 more sessions of vision therapy. Her health insurance will not cover any additional vision therapy, and the out-of-pocket cost is $1,800. Additionally, her specialist is recommending a type of vision therapy called Optometric Multi-Sensory Training, which insurance does not cover and costs an additional $3,400.

Unfortunately, due to the physical effects of the strokes, Nikki has been out of work since the day she was rushed to the hospital. At this time, she doesn't know when she'll be cleared to return to work.

Nikki has never been one to ask for help, and has always been the first to offer her help, energy, time, and love to each and every person (and also animal and plant, but that's neither here nor there) she encounters.

Now Nikki could use our help!

We're trying to raise $5,200 for Nikki to pay for the vision therapy to help make her whole again and work towards restoring her vision. All funds raised would go towards Nikki’s vision therapy and recovery.

Please spread the word and share this campaign!

Thank you for your help!!