Megan Helsel Medical Fund
Donation protected
On October 14th, Meg had experienced 5 days of horrific back pain and both her legs went numb. After rushing her to the emergency room, an MRI showed that a hemangioma (tumor) had ruptured in her spinal cord. She was admitted and started on a high dose of steroids in an attempt to reduce swelling. 2 days later, after minimal return in her legs and unable to stand or walk, we were told that she would need spinal cord surgery the following day. The neurosurgeon told us that if she had the same return after surgery (again, minimal and unable to stand or walk) that he would "consider the operation a success."
That Monday, after a 5 1/2 hour surgery to remove the tumor and blood from inside her spinal cord, and then 4 days in ICU, Meg was transferred to Kessler Rehabilitation Center 3 days ahead of schedule to begin physical rehabilitation. On her 11th day at Kessler, she took her first (very assisted) steps. (!!!!)
The staff at Kessler had suggested creating a GoFundMe page to help with the quickly-increasing expenses, but Meg's pride immediately vetoed the idea. In the mean time, the bills have begun to roll in (for example: $20,766 copay for the surgery alone and thousands more for hospital expenses, doctor's visits, physical therapy, and equipment and wheelchair costs). In Meg's words, she is setting her Irish pride aside to ask for help, so that her focus stays on continuing to get stronger instead of focusing on the bills associated with it.
From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate every 'like,' comment, text, prayer, phone call, and visit more than we could ever explain. That support has served as motivation to get through the most emotionally and physically challenging time of her (and our) life. If you are able to and donate, thank you for helping. If you are unable to, thank you for helping in all the other ways that I'm sure you already have!
That Monday, after a 5 1/2 hour surgery to remove the tumor and blood from inside her spinal cord, and then 4 days in ICU, Meg was transferred to Kessler Rehabilitation Center 3 days ahead of schedule to begin physical rehabilitation. On her 11th day at Kessler, she took her first (very assisted) steps. (!!!!)
The staff at Kessler had suggested creating a GoFundMe page to help with the quickly-increasing expenses, but Meg's pride immediately vetoed the idea. In the mean time, the bills have begun to roll in (for example: $20,766 copay for the surgery alone and thousands more for hospital expenses, doctor's visits, physical therapy, and equipment and wheelchair costs). In Meg's words, she is setting her Irish pride aside to ask for help, so that her focus stays on continuing to get stronger instead of focusing on the bills associated with it.
From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate every 'like,' comment, text, prayer, phone call, and visit more than we could ever explain. That support has served as motivation to get through the most emotionally and physically challenging time of her (and our) life. If you are able to and donate, thank you for helping. If you are unable to, thank you for helping in all the other ways that I'm sure you already have!
Organizer
Rob Jasonek
Organizer
Nutley, NJ
