Support for Zephyr (Formerly Elizabeth Anne)
Donation protected
Zephyr (formerly Elizabeth Anne, and uses they/them pronouns) suffered an acute ischemic stroke on 8/1/18, at 23 years old. They were home alone when the stroke happened, and laid on the floor unable to move for 7 agonizing hours before they were found. This resulted in a massive amount of brain death, and they lost the use of the left side of their body. Immediately after the stroke they were unable to even hold their head up unassisted, unable to walk, and could barely speak. Their brain also suffered from left-side neglect, which meant that they were physically unable to see anything in their left-side field of vision. Zephyr is a talented tattoo artist in the Atlanta area, and the stroke left them unable to work while they focus on their recovery.
What caused the stroke?
In late July 2018, Zephyr was unexpectedly attacked by a blind dog that we had rescued. The attack was severe, leaving deep puncture wounds in their right thigh. 3 weeks later, they had the stroke. While they were in the ICU after the stroke, it was discovered that they had two previously undiagnosed holes in the central wall of their heart. Doctors believed that the blood clot may have come from their leg due to the dog attack, and that the holes in their heart are what allowed such a large clot to pass through up to their brain. They had heart surgery in September 2018 to close these holes.
In the past year Zephyr has:
-Gone through intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational therapy.
-Learned to walk again, (albeit slowly) with the aid of a leg brace and cane. They still need a wheelchair on certain occasions.
-Regained extremely limited movement of their left arm. They are still unable to use their left hand.
-Overcome their brain's left-side neglect, and are now able to see and use their vision normally again.
-Endured countless tests, procedures, hardships, and frustrations.
-Suffered from ongoing chronic pain, crippling depression, anxiety, and severe fatigue.
-Lost much of their independence and freedom.
-Begun re-learning how to tattoo, with one functional hand, limited mobility, and very limited energy.
The seizures:
More recently, Zephyr has begun having seizures. If you have never had a seizure, you cannot possibly imagine how terrifying it is to suddenly lose control of your entire body, shaking, seizing, and suffering. Seizures are extremely painful, and cause severe fatigue afterward. This also adds another doctor, more tests, and more medications to their already huge medical file. It also adds an intense amount of fear and trauma to their psyche. Seizure medications come with horrible side-effects, and they are enduring nausea, vomiting, increased depression, and even more fatigue.
How can we help?
I am Zephyr's sister, Jessica. I live with them, and help with their day to day life, as they still need assistance with many activities through the day, are unable to drive, and are only allowed to be alone for short amounts of time. This leaves me in a position where I can only work a very limited amount. Zephyr receives a very small amount of money from government disability every month, which is not enough for one person to live off of, let alone two.
We need to move. Zephyr has been through an immense amount of trauma in the house we are currently renting. The dog attack, stroke, and seizures, have all happened at home. They have been diagnosed with PTSD, and are receiving support and treatment, but for their emotional well-being we need to get them into a different house.
Due to the kindness of others, we have been able to get by so far on donations from our wonderful community of friends, family, and even strangers. We are so thankful for everyone who has supported us. However, that money is running out, and we are still facing a long road in Zephyr's recovery, plus moving expenses. We are looking for less-expensive rental options, but with skyrocketing rental prices in Atlanta that is very difficult. We have also taken on roommates who have been amazing and supportive, and help us with rental costs. If you are able to donate to Zephyr's continued recovery, we would be so grateful. Thank you again to everyone who has shown us support on the road so far.
What caused the stroke?
In late July 2018, Zephyr was unexpectedly attacked by a blind dog that we had rescued. The attack was severe, leaving deep puncture wounds in their right thigh. 3 weeks later, they had the stroke. While they were in the ICU after the stroke, it was discovered that they had two previously undiagnosed holes in the central wall of their heart. Doctors believed that the blood clot may have come from their leg due to the dog attack, and that the holes in their heart are what allowed such a large clot to pass through up to their brain. They had heart surgery in September 2018 to close these holes.
In the past year Zephyr has:
-Gone through intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational therapy.
-Learned to walk again, (albeit slowly) with the aid of a leg brace and cane. They still need a wheelchair on certain occasions.
-Regained extremely limited movement of their left arm. They are still unable to use their left hand.
-Overcome their brain's left-side neglect, and are now able to see and use their vision normally again.
-Endured countless tests, procedures, hardships, and frustrations.
-Suffered from ongoing chronic pain, crippling depression, anxiety, and severe fatigue.
-Lost much of their independence and freedom.
-Begun re-learning how to tattoo, with one functional hand, limited mobility, and very limited energy.
The seizures:
More recently, Zephyr has begun having seizures. If you have never had a seizure, you cannot possibly imagine how terrifying it is to suddenly lose control of your entire body, shaking, seizing, and suffering. Seizures are extremely painful, and cause severe fatigue afterward. This also adds another doctor, more tests, and more medications to their already huge medical file. It also adds an intense amount of fear and trauma to their psyche. Seizure medications come with horrible side-effects, and they are enduring nausea, vomiting, increased depression, and even more fatigue.
How can we help?
I am Zephyr's sister, Jessica. I live with them, and help with their day to day life, as they still need assistance with many activities through the day, are unable to drive, and are only allowed to be alone for short amounts of time. This leaves me in a position where I can only work a very limited amount. Zephyr receives a very small amount of money from government disability every month, which is not enough for one person to live off of, let alone two.
We need to move. Zephyr has been through an immense amount of trauma in the house we are currently renting. The dog attack, stroke, and seizures, have all happened at home. They have been diagnosed with PTSD, and are receiving support and treatment, but for their emotional well-being we need to get them into a different house.
Due to the kindness of others, we have been able to get by so far on donations from our wonderful community of friends, family, and even strangers. We are so thankful for everyone who has supported us. However, that money is running out, and we are still facing a long road in Zephyr's recovery, plus moving expenses. We are looking for less-expensive rental options, but with skyrocketing rental prices in Atlanta that is very difficult. We have also taken on roommates who have been amazing and supportive, and help us with rental costs. If you are able to donate to Zephyr's continued recovery, we would be so grateful. Thank you again to everyone who has shown us support on the road so far.
Organizer
Jessica Stansel
Organizer
Mableton, GA
