Debbie's Road to Recovery!!

March 11th  was the beginning.  Mom was taken to  St. David's in RR with indegestion/chest discomfort.  Tests showed that Mom passed a blood clot through the left portion of the heart.  Doctor's couldn't explain how it passed the way it did, it should have traveled toward the brain.  March 15th, Mom was released from the hospital after defying death.  On March 17th, Dad called 911 because Mom became unresponsive.  Upon closer view of Mom, Dad realized that she was having a stroke.  Once again, Mom was taken to St. David's in RR.  After scans were reviewed, it was realized that Mom had a very large clot lodged in the left ventricle leading to the brain.  At that moment, it was decided, in order to save her life, she needed to be flown to St. David's in Austin where a team of Neurologist were waiting for her. As we heard the helicopter approach closer, we said our good-byes, not knowing the outcome.  I bent over my Mother (on her left side which is currently her good side), grabbed her hand and told her, "Mom, this isn't the end of your story.  It is NOT your turn.  Your grandson will be here in a week, you have to fight to come back to us.  I love you with all my heart.  You were given to me and I to you...it's not time to change that story. I will see you in Austin.  You better fight. I love you with all of my heart and soul."  I kissed my Mother, walked away, uncertain if I'd see her alive when I made it to the other hospital.  After 45 minutes in surgery with the Neurological team, a large clot was removed successfully from her left ventricle leading to the brain which was preventing blood flow to the right side of her brain.  A few days later, while in the hospital, Mom suffered another stroke.  New scans revealed additional damage to the right side of her brain.  An angio scan showed that the left ventricle was partially blocked.  With the multiple layers of risks involved, the Doctor's have opted not to try and put a stint in that left ventricle.  Today, March 29th, while I type this, my Mother lay in the hospital, fighting to get better.  We are fortunate in that she is alive!

Unfortunately, my Mom was uninsured.  After much conversation and a lot of prayer, I have decided to ask for help for my Mother.  Without funding, we are unable to put her in a rehab facility for physcial and speech therapy.  My Father works as the Maintenance Supervisor for a local high school.  His income alone, barely pays their bills let alone the expected $300 a month medication needs let alone any rehab needs.

I serve as the Director of Public Relations for a local non-profit that raises money for children at Dell Children's Hospital.  Without second guessing my job of passion, I go out seeking donations so we can help lighten the burden for the families in need of financial assitance with children at Dell Children's Hospital that are in the Hemotology Unit.  Until now, I never thought about how our families that we help feel when they have to ask for assistance.  I have now found myself on the asking end for my Mother.  This need has found me very humbled which has fueled my job of passion even more.

My Mom is everything to my 6 brothers, my Dad, myself and her many grandchildren.  My Mom doesn't have cancer.  She isn't a child with cancer but she is our everything.  She is the glue to our family.  My Mother is a spicy, strong, determined, stubborn and the most kind hearted woman that you will ever meet.  I have to exhaust any and all avenues in trying to get her the funding she needs to get to rehab and on to a road of recovery.  In the midst of this very dark time for our family, my Mother welcomed her newest grandson into the world.  She has a date with her newest grandson this coming Saturday for the first time! 

I humbly ask you to help me share her story and help get her on the road to recovery.