Patrick's Miracle Fund



My name is Michele Gruner and I started this Go Fund Me campaign in honor of my friend, Maria Nolan, whose life has recently been turned upside down.  She needs our help. Here is her story...

Meet Maria Nolan - a wife, mother of four (one with Down's Syndrome), a full-time employee at Save the Children, and a three-time cancer survivor who continues to fight the fight each and every day.

I met Maria 9 years ago when she hired me to fill in for her while she was undergoing chemotherapy for the second time in her life.  Not long after her return to work, Maria learned that her cancer had returned - this time resulting in a life-altering surgery that has led to a mountain of medical debt and endless medical complicatons that she quietly suffers with every single day.

Just when life got a little easier for her...she was thrown yet another curve ball...one no mother wants to catch.

Meet Patrick - Maria's 21 year old son who has faced many challenges of his own due to Down's Syndrome.  With a heart of gold, and a family that has supported him every step of the way, Patrick has been able to lead a fairly full life...until recently.  Less than two weeks ago doctors found a very rare aneurysm in his brain .  He was rushed into emergency surgery where doctors described his survival as a miracle.  Unfortunately, not one without major complications.  Both during and after the surgery, Patrick suffered multiple strokes which have left him unable to move, speak or breathe on his own.  Whether or not any of this damage is permanent remains to be seen.  He continues to fight his fight every day...just like his mom. 

In the meantime, his family hasn't left his side in the ICU up at Yale.  Which means time away from work, reduced pay, exhaustion of vacation time and sick leave, daily parking fees at the hospital, medical bills, and excessive takeout orders.  With one son in college, a partially disabled husband, and a critically ill child, Maria works hard every day to support her family.  Until recently, she has shown up to work every day with a smile on her face, and a postive attitude like no other I have seen.  I have never met a more courageous, hard working, caring and compassionate soul in my entire life.  

Perhaps what I love most about the Nolan family is their sense of pride.  They have so much love to give, but never ask for help.  So it's time we stepped up to the plate and do for them what they have done for so many others throughout their lives.

Please join me in contributing as much as you can to relieve some stress for the Nolan Family, help them get back on their feet during this horrific time, and remind them that there is always hope. 

Help us be the Christmas mircale that Maria, Patrick, and the Nolan family so desperately deserve this holiday season.

Please share this story with your family and friends.  Feel free to post prayers, thoughts, comments, and stories  on all your social media platforms, and be sure to tag #PatrickStrong.  The power of positive thinking and prayer go a long way!

Thank you  so very much for your kindness and generosity.  It will mean more  to the Nolan family than you can possibly imagine.

Much love,
Patrick's Angels