Mirian's Loving Heart Fund
Donation protected
My beautiful, loving mama had to have unexpected heart surgery on the 18th of December and had SEVERE complications. What should have been a routine mitral valve replacement, ended up rupturing post-op and the cardio-thoracic team had to go back in completely re-do the procedure. This resulted in her having not one, but TWO open heart surgeries within 12 hours. My father and sister were left agonizing in a private waiting room for 10 hours for what was scheduled to be a 4 hour procedure. I was onstage doing a performance of Holiday Inn, and had to leave mid-show when I learned that the surgery had not gone as planned. Later that night, she experienced internal bleeding that led to a third and ultimately lifesaving procedure. Ross and I flew home in the middle of the night, and to be honest, I got on that plane not knowing if I was flying home to see my mom or for her funeral.
The physical trauma she experienced that day was far beyond what her five foot body could be expected to handle, and she ended up being on life-support for 16 days, and in critical condition for 25 days after her surgery. Those 3+ weeks were tremendously physically and emotionally trying for my family, as it seemed that with each tiny improvement we saw, multiple setbacks or hurdles followed. Mom has no recollection of this time, and while it was difficult for her to acknowledge having lost so much time, we are grateful that she was spared that much. Our own memories of those days in the ICU are blurred by tears, full of fear and anxiety, and accompanied by the sounds of beeping, alarms, and machinery that we are eager to leave in the past.
She's small but mighty, and has fought her way through this- even the hospital staff is astounded by her progress. She went from the ICU to the Stepdown Unit, and then to the Cardiac Rehab within the hospital. We took a scary, treacherous detour but she's now recovering and working with Physical and Occupational therapists to get back to walking, eating, and regular activity after being incapacitated for over a month. She's still got a long way to go but she's a tiny little super human and impresses us daily.
Today, February 6, 2019 marks 50 consecutive days that she's been in the hospital.
Typical open heart valve replacement calls for 5-7 days of hospitalization. We are all incredibly grateful that she is still with us, and are hopeful that she has a long and healthy life ahead of her. Even the doctors have told us they are sure she has more to do on this Earth, because the odds she overcame were tremendous. My sister and I want to ensure that she and our Dad can have some peace of mind and a bit of assistance on the financial front, as the circumstances of the last few months were completely unforeseen. I know they are my parents, but I couldn't possibly think of two people more deserving of kindness and compassion in their time of need. Our father has worked long hours and juggled multiple jobs to provide for his family for years, and he hasn't left my Mom's side through all of this. NY State Family Paid Leave is only partial and maxes out after 8 weeks, and with the 11 days my mom was hospitalized pre-surgery, he has long crossed over into un-paid leave. Facing these astronomical medical bills in addition to your normal cost-of-living after losing almost three months of your primary income is daunting.
I set a goal of $15,000 based on what I thought might be feasible.
If each of my Facebook friends donated only $10.00 - we could easily hit this goal. However, here are some numbers for you all to consider.
$39,000.00 - The bill for the eleven days (11/24 - 12/4) Mom was initially hospitalized, during which we discovered that the mitral valve replacement would be necessary. We had no knowledge of any heart problems prior to this.
$50,000.00 + $3,500/day - The initial estimate of what my parents would be responsible out-of-pocket for the surgery. The estimated hospital stay was 5-7 days post-op. It's hard to even imagine what their final bill will be considering she ultimately had three procedures and we are currently on Day 50.
Handi-capable Home - Despite her tremendous progress, Mom is currently needing the assistance of a walker, and they will have to make some adjustments to ensure that when she is sent home she can live safely, independently, and comfortably. Your donation would help cover the cost of doing so.
Medicine - Mom is leaving the hospital with at least three new medications she will need to take for life.
Cost of Living - After 30 years of hard work, my parents purchased their first home in 2016. As I mentioned above, my father was only granted partial paid family leave by NY State. Your donation would help them stay on top of their mortgage and basic utilities until Mom is released and he can return to work.
Our parents are hard-working, humble and deserving humans who would happily lend you the clothes off their own backs, or invite you in for a home-cooked meal. My mom regularly sews gorgeous quilts, pillows, and tapestries which she promptly donates to be sold for charity. They have never had much themselves, but are always the first to give. They brought up my sister and I with that philosophy, and it would mean the world to us to be able to give back to the people who sacrificed everything for us. Every bit helps.
With love and gratitude,
Jess, Cynthia, Hugo, and Mirian.
The physical trauma she experienced that day was far beyond what her five foot body could be expected to handle, and she ended up being on life-support for 16 days, and in critical condition for 25 days after her surgery. Those 3+ weeks were tremendously physically and emotionally trying for my family, as it seemed that with each tiny improvement we saw, multiple setbacks or hurdles followed. Mom has no recollection of this time, and while it was difficult for her to acknowledge having lost so much time, we are grateful that she was spared that much. Our own memories of those days in the ICU are blurred by tears, full of fear and anxiety, and accompanied by the sounds of beeping, alarms, and machinery that we are eager to leave in the past.
She's small but mighty, and has fought her way through this- even the hospital staff is astounded by her progress. She went from the ICU to the Stepdown Unit, and then to the Cardiac Rehab within the hospital. We took a scary, treacherous detour but she's now recovering and working with Physical and Occupational therapists to get back to walking, eating, and regular activity after being incapacitated for over a month. She's still got a long way to go but she's a tiny little super human and impresses us daily.
Today, February 6, 2019 marks 50 consecutive days that she's been in the hospital.
Typical open heart valve replacement calls for 5-7 days of hospitalization. We are all incredibly grateful that she is still with us, and are hopeful that she has a long and healthy life ahead of her. Even the doctors have told us they are sure she has more to do on this Earth, because the odds she overcame were tremendous. My sister and I want to ensure that she and our Dad can have some peace of mind and a bit of assistance on the financial front, as the circumstances of the last few months were completely unforeseen. I know they are my parents, but I couldn't possibly think of two people more deserving of kindness and compassion in their time of need. Our father has worked long hours and juggled multiple jobs to provide for his family for years, and he hasn't left my Mom's side through all of this. NY State Family Paid Leave is only partial and maxes out after 8 weeks, and with the 11 days my mom was hospitalized pre-surgery, he has long crossed over into un-paid leave. Facing these astronomical medical bills in addition to your normal cost-of-living after losing almost three months of your primary income is daunting.
I set a goal of $15,000 based on what I thought might be feasible.
If each of my Facebook friends donated only $10.00 - we could easily hit this goal. However, here are some numbers for you all to consider.
$39,000.00 - The bill for the eleven days (11/24 - 12/4) Mom was initially hospitalized, during which we discovered that the mitral valve replacement would be necessary. We had no knowledge of any heart problems prior to this.
$50,000.00 + $3,500/day - The initial estimate of what my parents would be responsible out-of-pocket for the surgery. The estimated hospital stay was 5-7 days post-op. It's hard to even imagine what their final bill will be considering she ultimately had three procedures and we are currently on Day 50.
Handi-capable Home - Despite her tremendous progress, Mom is currently needing the assistance of a walker, and they will have to make some adjustments to ensure that when she is sent home she can live safely, independently, and comfortably. Your donation would help cover the cost of doing so.
Medicine - Mom is leaving the hospital with at least three new medications she will need to take for life.
Cost of Living - After 30 years of hard work, my parents purchased their first home in 2016. As I mentioned above, my father was only granted partial paid family leave by NY State. Your donation would help them stay on top of their mortgage and basic utilities until Mom is released and he can return to work.
Our parents are hard-working, humble and deserving humans who would happily lend you the clothes off their own backs, or invite you in for a home-cooked meal. My mom regularly sews gorgeous quilts, pillows, and tapestries which she promptly donates to be sold for charity. They have never had much themselves, but are always the first to give. They brought up my sister and I with that philosophy, and it would mean the world to us to be able to give back to the people who sacrificed everything for us. Every bit helps.
With love and gratitude,
Jess, Cynthia, Hugo, and Mirian.
Fundraising team (2)
Jess Griffin
Organizer
Raised $3,990 from 53 donations
New Milford, CT
Cyncity Cyncity
Team member
Raised $855 from 7 donations
This team raised $6,520 from 95 other donations.
