Support for Helen and her family

Hi family and friends! As most of you know, Helen had open-heart surgery at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC, on August 5th - a valve replacement and double bypass. They told us to plan on a 5-7 day hospital stay after surgery. As of this posting, that was 7 weeks ago, and she's still in the hospital, still on a ventilator. Needless to say, there were complications, and this has drawn out so much longer than anyone could have anticipated.

She spent 5 weeks after surgery in the Cardiothoracic ICU at Duke, and she's now at PAM Specialty Hospital in Rocky Mount. The support of family and friends have meant the world to Helen and all of us. The messages and prayers, phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, meals, rides, gas money, and more... everything so many have done for us already is so very appreciated! As loved ones continue to offer help and ask how they can help, we've decided to reach out.

It's always hard asking for and accepting help, but again, this has gone on so much longer than anyone anticipated already, and we're looking at weeks in the hospital still likely, with possible in-patient rehab afterwards, and continued recovery needs for a long time. Someone has been with Helen at the hospital 24/7 since she woke from surgery - mostly her husband Max and daughters Annie and Ali, sitting with her in shifts, with occasional help and visits from great friends. As everyone knows, gas is expensive, and adds up quickly when 3 of us are driving to a hospital up to an hour away or more every day. Parking expenses, the occasional coffee or sandwich, just the costs of being with her add up so fast. And of course, as we continue to prioritize her well-being and being with her when she needs us, other bills and responsibilities continue piling up.

We're asking for help with the expenses of being here for her, as long as she's in the hospital. We're also trying to prepare the house for when she does finally come home, and will need to purchase equipment like a lift chair for her as she continues working to get stronger. And anyone who knows Helen knows she worries about her family, a lot. Her recovery could be just a bit easier with every worry we can alleviate. Anything you are able to contribute - whether $5 for a coffee, $20 towards gas, or more towards the big needed purchases, would be such a blessing to our entire family. Thank you for your time to read, your constant support, and your consideration! We love you all! ❤️