Support our mother and father in this time of need
Donazione protetta
On December 13, 2023 our Mother Hilda Herrera Suarez was taken to the hospital for right sided deficits. It was rapidly discovered that our mom had a 2 cm mass in her brain that was rapidly removed to avoid herniation. Upon admission a pet scan was done where it was later discovered and confirmed via biopsy of the tumor removed that she had Renal Cell Carcinoma from the mass in her right kidney with metastisis via 2 small nodules into her lungs and the previously removed mass in her brain. Our Mother received physical therapy prior to beginning her care with Oncology at Baptist health. She recovered completely from the right sided deficits and was able to walk without a walker at home with appropriate acute care rehab.
Post recovery from the brain tumor removal our mother returned to work as a real estate agent and was able to see a normal future ahead. Things were looking promising, we were excited and hopeful. She was going to start and finish treatment then move up to live closer to one of us however this never came to fruition.
Our mother began her treatment on oral chemotherapy tablets and immunotherapy infusions. Upon her first infusion she began having reactions including extreme hypertension for multiple days. These symptoms to which have been attributed by all physicians treating her to be a side effect result from the Keytruda one time infusion. The side effects she suffered were nearly fatal, a rollercoaster of challenges and quite honestly medical mistakes made that ultimately caused her debilitating deficits.
Since her last admission to Baptist Hospital she has moved to Gables Rehab where she she’s received weeks of physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in an attempt to heal and recover. Unfortunately, there has not been much improvement in her condition. She was initially expressive aphasic (unable to express words), unable to speak, a prisoner in her own body. Today she has no movement in any of her limbs with the exception of her left hand and elbow and the ability to turn her face. She understands everything going on around her and is unable to process words to get them out or communicate. She can’t say what she wants to say, stuck on a neverending loop like a broken record. Shes in despair. She’s watching us from a window, unable to do for herself or for others as she always has… it’s breaking her spirits daily. She just wants to be home with her family.
On April 26, 2024 we made the very difficult decision to place our mother in hospice care at our home in DeLand Florida where she will be surrounded with love and support until her final breath.
Our mother has touched the lives of so many with her work, her mentorship, her friendships, her loving guidance and faith. Countless women and men have expressed the life-changing impacts she has made upon them and their families. She has changed us all for the better and we love her dearly. It has been difficult to see such a Matriarch fall victim to these unfortunate circumstances. Our hearts are broken for our parents as we watch a profound love story unfold before our eyes. Their dedicated devotion to one another is the most beautiful thing to witness and equally heart breaking.
Because she is on hospice care she will no longer receive many of the therapies, (unfortunately due to insurance technicalities), so we have opted to do the therapies with her at home ourselves to the best of our abilities with the guidance of healthcare workers who have felt their heart strings touched by her story and influence. Some of the medical equipment to care for her basic needs are provided however that too has its limits in resources, things for therapies are not supported like speech, occupational or physical therapies. In order to maintain what little we’ve gained for her to express herself and hope that some miracle may change her status we aren’t giving up on her. Her ability to speak again would change so much for her. To communicate her needs and wants would be the greatest blessing so we are giving it every single chance we can to help her find her voice again.
Financially these burden that are not incorporated in those resources, as we are learning of more day by day. Medical equipment and therapies to ensure her quality of life required in order to care for someone with such high needs are not always covered. We have made the best decision to ensure her quality of care and that will come at a cost. The future holds many other expenses unclear and some foreseeable as well.
As many of you have also expressed a desire to want to support her in this trying time. We can use your help. Your support can make a difference in hers and her husbands life for the duration of her time with us. Many of you have already volunteered your time and love which is invaluable and we are eternally grateful.
No donation is expected however appreciated, of any size or nature. We can ease their financial strain and allow them to focus on what truly matters: cherishing each blessed moment left and finding peace in the difficult journey ahead.
With Gratitude and love we send this out without expectation in hopes to help our parents in this time of need.
Sincerely, her loving children. ❤️
Post recovery from the brain tumor removal our mother returned to work as a real estate agent and was able to see a normal future ahead. Things were looking promising, we were excited and hopeful. She was going to start and finish treatment then move up to live closer to one of us however this never came to fruition.
Our mother began her treatment on oral chemotherapy tablets and immunotherapy infusions. Upon her first infusion she began having reactions including extreme hypertension for multiple days. These symptoms to which have been attributed by all physicians treating her to be a side effect result from the Keytruda one time infusion. The side effects she suffered were nearly fatal, a rollercoaster of challenges and quite honestly medical mistakes made that ultimately caused her debilitating deficits.
Since her last admission to Baptist Hospital she has moved to Gables Rehab where she she’s received weeks of physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in an attempt to heal and recover. Unfortunately, there has not been much improvement in her condition. She was initially expressive aphasic (unable to express words), unable to speak, a prisoner in her own body. Today she has no movement in any of her limbs with the exception of her left hand and elbow and the ability to turn her face. She understands everything going on around her and is unable to process words to get them out or communicate. She can’t say what she wants to say, stuck on a neverending loop like a broken record. Shes in despair. She’s watching us from a window, unable to do for herself or for others as she always has… it’s breaking her spirits daily. She just wants to be home with her family.
On April 26, 2024 we made the very difficult decision to place our mother in hospice care at our home in DeLand Florida where she will be surrounded with love and support until her final breath.
Our mother has touched the lives of so many with her work, her mentorship, her friendships, her loving guidance and faith. Countless women and men have expressed the life-changing impacts she has made upon them and their families. She has changed us all for the better and we love her dearly. It has been difficult to see such a Matriarch fall victim to these unfortunate circumstances. Our hearts are broken for our parents as we watch a profound love story unfold before our eyes. Their dedicated devotion to one another is the most beautiful thing to witness and equally heart breaking.
Because she is on hospice care she will no longer receive many of the therapies, (unfortunately due to insurance technicalities), so we have opted to do the therapies with her at home ourselves to the best of our abilities with the guidance of healthcare workers who have felt their heart strings touched by her story and influence. Some of the medical equipment to care for her basic needs are provided however that too has its limits in resources, things for therapies are not supported like speech, occupational or physical therapies. In order to maintain what little we’ve gained for her to express herself and hope that some miracle may change her status we aren’t giving up on her. Her ability to speak again would change so much for her. To communicate her needs and wants would be the greatest blessing so we are giving it every single chance we can to help her find her voice again.
Financially these burden that are not incorporated in those resources, as we are learning of more day by day. Medical equipment and therapies to ensure her quality of life required in order to care for someone with such high needs are not always covered. We have made the best decision to ensure her quality of care and that will come at a cost. The future holds many other expenses unclear and some foreseeable as well.
As many of you have also expressed a desire to want to support her in this trying time. We can use your help. Your support can make a difference in hers and her husbands life for the duration of her time with us. Many of you have already volunteered your time and love which is invaluable and we are eternally grateful.
No donation is expected however appreciated, of any size or nature. We can ease their financial strain and allow them to focus on what truly matters: cherishing each blessed moment left and finding peace in the difficult journey ahead.
With Gratitude and love we send this out without expectation in hopes to help our parents in this time of need. Sincerely, her loving children. ❤️
Organizzatore
Mercedes Pinkerton
Organizzatore
West DeLand, FL