When a Nurse Needs Care

My friend Elena could really use your help. She has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and Covid dysautonomia. These conditions are preventing her from being able to do her full-time job as a nurse.

Due to her husband being suddenly laid-off from his job, Elena and her family find themselves in a precarious position. Elena no longer gets the benefits and health insurance that came with his job, and her own benefits can't cover the family's expenses.

But where the insurance system is failing Elena, my hope is that our community will step in...

A few things about my bestie:

-Elena has worked as a nurse for the last ten years at Northern Dutchess Hospital, and was on duty through all of Covid.

-Before she got sick, Elena was studying at night to further her medical training and become a Nurse Practitioner.

-She’s a mom of two daughters.

Elena has spent her life being a caregiver for others. Now, Elena needs to rest and buy some time so she can receive the care she needs to beat the cancer.

HELP UP MEET OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL

Our goal is to raise $10,000 as quickly as possible. This is the amount needed to cover Elena’s current medical bills, as her health insurance deductible only kicks in after she spends $10,000.

Any money raised beyond that will go towards supporting her during her rest before, during, and following cancer treatment. Elena's oncologist and Covid-doctor are located at Mount Sinai in New York City, Elena and her family live in upstate NY, about 100 miles away from the hospital. This will require multiple trips back and forth from upstate NY to NYC which is costly.

Some expenses that contributions will go towards if we passed the initial fundraising goal:

$35 - Will cover the cost of one week of Elena's medication.

$75 - Will cover the cost of gas, tolls, and parking for one trip to the hospital.

$250 - Will cover the cost of a hotel room for one night in New York City for days that a round trip journey is not possible.

If you are not in the position to offer money, but you can contribute in other ways please reach out. Support of any kind is appreciated:)

THE DETAILS

September 2022 - Elena’s health is challenged. She's deeply fatigued, but she pushes through, continuing to work as a nurse at The Wound Care Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital.

December 2022 - Elena suffers a small stroke and is diagnosed with Covid dysautonomia. This is a condition when the patient has Covid in addition to Long Covid- it prevents the brain and heart from communicating properly. This causes drastic changes in blood pressure and heart rate despite medications. While they are examing Elena's bloodwork and other tests Elena's medical team realizes that there is some other underlying health issue that is causing the fatigue.

January thru June 2023 - Continued tests reveal Elena has a rare blood cancer.

Elena goes under the care of an oncologist and Covid doctor at Mount Sinai. Her doctors prescribe rest to reduce the risk of an additional stroke, and so her body can build up strength before they clear her to start therapy for the cancer.

July 2023 - Elena’s husband is laid-off from his job (he is currently seeking new employment). Elena goes back to her job part-time to try to cover the family's expenses.

Now - The fatigue from the blood cancer and Long Covid is keeping Elena from working full time, while continuing to put her at high risk for a blood clot or another stroke. The cancer is not currently being treated because Elena's blood counts are just borderline treatable so her medical team has advised that she wait to begin the therapies for cancer.