Harriet's Village - Medical Funds

In 2002 Harriet was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, (SLE), an autoimmune disease. Then in, 2007 she was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition effecting heart function. A defibrillator was implanted to protect her against fatal irregular heartbeats. In addition to her own health issues, she has cared for her younger brother who recently passed away from lung cancer, supported her younger sister through a heart transplant, and currently cares for her mother who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Until recently, she did all of this with 25% heart function while working full-time as a single mom caring for her 9 year old daughter.

Phenomenal? YES! Incredible? YES she is!

Over the past years, her heart has continued to deteriorate. In September 2014, Harriet survived a major heart attack caused by a blood clot that blocked her left coronary artery 100%, further damaging her weak heart. After her last diagnostic testing in September, she was told by her team of specialists at Emory that she would need a heart transplant within the year.

This month, November, she will lose her job and health insurance. She is in great financial need to support herself and daughter as well as cover thousands of dollars in living and medical expenses.

I know Harriet as a neighbor on Olympic Place. All of us who live here often kid each other about this being the best street to live in Decatur. It is because we care about each other and help out when its needed. Harriet needs some help. She’s full of hope and determination. She just needs help with the details.

Let’s show up for her and see her through this tough time. Every single bit helps.