Support Robin's Recovery and Return to Nursing

I am creating this fundraiser for a close friend and incredible nurse of 32 years who trained me (along with dozens of other graduates) how to be a great nurse.

Since May 2024, Robin has been out of work after falling at home. She dislocated her shoulder and tore all rotator cuff tendons, sustaining nerve damage to her arm as well. She underwent a total shoulder replacement in August 2024. Her recovery has been long, painful, and difficult. While working hard on getting healthy and returning to work, Robin began experiencing shortness of breath and subsequent swelling in her legs and abdomen. She ended up in the ER with a rapid heart rate and fluid overload. At age 54, she found herself hospitalized with new onset congestive heart failure. She was also diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and a pulmonary embolism. She had a heart catheterization which showed her heart function at the time to be 15-20% (normally 60-65%). She was started on medical management and placed on a Life Vest in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

Robin has had to modify everything in her life to learn how to live with these issues while struggling to make ends meet financially. Those who know Robin know she would do anything to be able to get back to her career as a nurse. She has received and continues to receive so much love and support from her family, friends, and colleagues. Despite all of this, medical payments, and basic living expenses continue to pile up, even with insurance. She has many unexpected out-of-pocket costs including medical equipment, medications, and portions of medical care that are not covered by insurance. She does not qualify for general assistance. This is extremely overwhelming, stressful, and humbling for her.

Robin is a treasure to the healthcare system and would continue to make a difference in the lives of her patients as well as the new nurses like myself who she trains. As a nurse for 32 years, Robin has trained or precepted students and graduates numbering in the hundreds. Before her injury, she was even working towards furthering this role. She was halfway through her Master's in Nursing Education which is now on pause as living and medical expenses take priority. She is a hardworking, dedicated nurse who is eager to get back to doing what she loves most. Despite daily fears and uncertainty, she is doing her best to stay positive. She has dedicated her life to helping others. Now, she is the one who needs help.