Sally's Medical Expenses

On January 9, 2013, Sally’s life changed forever. Out for a jog, she was nearly killed after being hit by a car. She now suffers from a litany of medical issues, and expenses are still piling up fast.  Please visit the Help Sally support site for details about the accident.

Initial medical issues include:
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): lost 35% of brain function
      – Memory loss
      – Very intense and constant migraines
      – Speech impairment
      – Extreme hyper sensitivity to light 
      – Extreme hyper sensitivity to sound
      – Unstable vision
      – Balance problems 
• Right eyelid damaged
• Neck: extensive inoperable damage
• Dental damage: loss of several teeth, required reconstruction
• Right TMJ fractured
• Left shoulder torn out of socket
• Right shoulder: torn posterior rotator cuff
• Elbows and wrists hyperextended
• Gallbladder: inoperable damage
• Bladder damaged
• Internal bleeding
• Shattered pelvis
• Ovaries and uterus: crushed, loss of fertility 
• Sacrum: broke half of the right wing
• Hamstrings: tore two on right leg & one on left
• Left knee: severe crepitus
• Damaged lumbar spine L2 to S1
• Right hip: severely damaged
• Right knee: complex & severe damage
• Right ankle: dislocated
• PTSD

Ongoing issues and new developments:
• All injuries above except dislocated right ankle
• New anomalies continue to appear on brain MRIs
• Brain matter is shrinking  
• Gets extremely tired very easily
• Has developed periodic instances of an ataxic gate — shakes very hard and loses the ability to control herbody and cannot walk

What Sally still needs:
• Right shoulder surgery
• Left knee surgery
• Pelvic surgery
• Continued brain scans
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Physical rehabilitations
• Continued counseling for PTSD
 
Estimated totals:
• Existing medical debt (out of pocket expenses, etc.): $110k
• Home repair needs: $70k
(Home repairs and maintenance was put off to focus on recovery.  Roof and foundation issues have now triggered a mold problem.)


Much of what Sally still needs will not be covered by her insurance. Renumeration from the accident was less than the first year's out of pocket expenses. Please, if you can help, contributions of any amount are extremely appreciated. For more about Sally, updates on her condition, or to follow her story as is unravels please visit her Help Sally support site or her CaringBridge site . Thanks for reading Sally’s story!


Message from Sally:
I never wanted to ask for help. I tried to get by on SSI, but nearly 4 1/2 years below poverty level with huge medical expenses have drained the resources of myself, my family, and my friends. I never thought recovery could take so long, and the end is not in sight as most of these injuries are permanent. So, now I am asking humbly for your help, financially and for your prayers. Every little bit helps, and I will appreciate each gift beyond my ability to express my gratitude.

 ~ Sally