Cyndi Barnes is a compassionate, hardworking individual.  Prior to the pandemic shutdown, she held several jobs, her favorite being working with special needs students. Over the past 4 decades, her  family has given so much by volunteering and supporting the community, now we want to do our best to take care of them during this difficult time.

 

On August 13, Cyndi was having difficulty breathing and was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Covid-19, pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.. She was admitted and put into ICU and Isolation. For weeks she battled to breathe, fight infections and endured isolation from her family. During this time her oxygen saturation dropped rapidly and her breathing worsened. Her need for supplemental oxygen increased daily. She was placed on the Bi-Pap machine on the highest level of oxygen, up to 95%. 

 

 

Any form of movement would make her oxygen level drop too low. When she remained at this level, the doctor recommended intubation, stating her organs were about to shut down. Cyndi’s family was devastated about this news. Our family pleaded with the doctors to do everything possible to give her a fighting chance. We, along with our family doctor, were her advocate and voice to ensure she was getting the best medical care possible. Family along with many friends fought on our knees for Cyndi every step of the way.  We never gave up on her.  A miracle happened and on September 9, she was moved to Critical Care where she remained for about a week. She was still unable to do daily tasks.

On September 16, being unable to sit up, stand or walk on her own, she was transferred to the Acute Rehab center to start extensive Occupational, Respiratory and Physical Therapy. Two days later she stood up for the first time in 37 days. Cyndi had to rebuild her strength and learn how to do normal daily activities while trying to maintain good oxygen levels. On September 30, Cyndi had recovered enough to continue her rehab from home where she is working through the unfortunate side effects of the virus, hoping to get strong enough to walk without a walker and eliminate the need for oxygen therapy.  

The toll Covid has taken on their finances and family has been extra difficult. Due to the pandemic shut down, income Cyndi was receiving from her side jobs have become almost extinct for the past year, causing a financial hardship. At the beginning of November, she reached out to HR where they confirmed her sick days had been used up and unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, the school district doesn't offer disability. Cyndi and Art understand times have been tough this past year for many families. It is extremely difficult for them to ask for help, thus they waited to reach out.  

Cyndi has a tremendous amount of therapy and healing ahead of her due to lack of movement, lung scarring and the damage Covid has left. At this point it is unknown how long Cyndi is going to be off work, she is hoping to return to work sometime in January. 

Knowing the family cannot survive on Arts income alone, would you please consider giving what you can to help the Barnes’ family during this time? We hope to raise $10,000 to cover hospital and medical expenses not covered by insurance, continued medical equipment, doctors, utilities, housing and home repairs. Our hope is to relieve some of the financial burdens so Cyndi can focus on healing. Your donation will help tremendously. The Barnes’ appreciate you considering this need and are grateful for any financial help you can give. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you pray for our family and please share. Thank you.