On July 14th, 2025 my mother, Cheryl Cornelius, was admitted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham with shortness of breath and chest pains. It was determined that her artificial heart valves were leaking and she would need prompt surgery to repair the valves. We already knew this was the case as she had been fighting with her insurance company for six to eight months prior to have this life-saving procedure covered. Unfortunately, week after week, her insurance denied the claim for this life-saving surgery. On July 16th, 2025 the surgery was scheduled and she underwent the procedure at UAB. The procedure itself went fine however at some point she had a pulmonary hemorrhage and went into cardiac arrest. It took the doctors several minutes to revive her and several hours to get her on ECMO (advanced life support that does the work of the heart and lungs) and a blood transfusion. She spent several days on ECMO and two weeks on a breathing tube and ventilator. Currently she is on a trach and ventilator along with a PEG feeding tube. To this day, we have not been provided answers as to what caused the hemorrhage on what was supposed to be a fairly straight forward procedure. Due to her brain being without oxygen for several minutes during cardiac arrest, she does have some pretty severe brain injuries. The extent of her recovery is undetermined at this point; the doctors say there is hope of full or partial recovery with time.

We are in the process of having her transferred to an LTAC (long term acute care) facility in Orlando where I can visit her everyday, monitor her progress, and ensure that she is getting the care that she desperately needs and deserves. Insurance is not willing to cover the air ambulance, which is in excess of $30,000. I have filed an appeal but it is doubtful that they will cover the transport costs without future litigation.

Anyone that knows my mother or myself would agree that neither of us ever asks anyone for help….we are always the ones helping others. During this time, we honestly need all of the help we can get! Any amount raised that is not used for transport will go towards her continued care. If you are unable to provide financial assistance we totally understand; but please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

I am hoping to have her in Orlando within the next few days. Anyone that would like to visit her, please contact me directly to schedule a date and time.