Tish Russom
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Tish! Usually I am out asking for help for others in our community. Things that I find hard and uncomfortable I'm able to do when it means making a difference in the lives of others. Now that I am the one in need of help, I am having a difficult time coming to terms with asking others to help me.
3 weeks ago I had a horrible headache. I suffer from from Migraines so I'm no stranger to pain and sensitivity. This one was really really bad and ended up with a visit to the local ER. I was thinking I had a pinched nerve, they were thinking an aneurysm. They did a scan without contrast and then one with. They were right. I have a 4mm MCA (Middle Cerebral Aneurysm). I went to the University ER and they confirmed and set me up with a neurosurgeon. I had my first appointment with him on April 11th. What an amazing and knowledgeable doctor. He sat down right in front of me and very plainly, in normal words, explained to me what we need to do and what the possible options may be. I have another procedure scheduled for May 24th (angiogram).
FACTUAL INFORMATION
1. We can do a "waiting watch". That means they basically just keep an eye on it. Monthly to Bi Monthly to Yearly. The risk of a rupture, though estimated by age only, is about 1% every 5 years. On the other side of that, there's at least a 70% chance of death if there is a rupture. If I was among the 30% to survive I would be severely mentally and physically handicapped. There's no way to know where it came from, why it's there, how long it's been there. Nor is there any way to know if it will rupture or when.
2. Endovascular, they insert coils into the actual aneurysm to try to fill it in. The risk with this would be the coils causing a leakage or even a possible rupture. Also if the coils were to break lose, or a blood clot attatched to the coil, they can cause a stroke.
3. Brain Surgery. The area is on my right temple and therefore this would be the ideal treatment. They go in through the skull and place a permanent clip on the side of the artery and remove the aneurysm. There's risk associated with this as well. The hospital stay is 10-14 days and the outcome can require in depth rehabilitation.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
My out of pocket is $7200 then the insurance kicks in at 100%. I will be required to pay a percentage up front though I am not exactly sure if that will be 100%. I know we're hoping to get it taken care of as soon as possible. It's so hard to be faced with your mortality and have no idea how you're going to get through this. I have a husband and 2 teenage boys. To look at them and know that there's a very real possibility of not being around for them is heart breaking. I do all I can to stay positive. I spend a lot more time with my family while still trying to reach out and help those in need in our community. I started a nonprofit group about 18 months ago and have been so blessed to be apart of this amazing community. I am also a very proud member of the Lion's Club. I was introduced to the Lions 14 months ago and I absolutely love being with people, who like me, love to help out those in need.
We will be working on other methods to help raise funds locally. I know how hard it is to fund raise because I have done it for so many others. I know how tight money is for all of us. Most of us, myself included, live paycheck to paycheck. Anything you're able to contribute is greatly appreciated. Essentially you are helping to save my life. I can't possibly thank you enough.
***This is a personal fundraiser and not a part of "Humanity Served With A Smile". The group I created to help others is for that purpose only. In no way, directly or indirectly, will it be used to raise funds for me. I will share opportunities to help out (such as this gofundme and other local events) on the group page as I would for anyone else, however, 100% of what's donated will go towards my medical expenses.***
Thank you so very much!!!
Tish
3 weeks ago I had a horrible headache. I suffer from from Migraines so I'm no stranger to pain and sensitivity. This one was really really bad and ended up with a visit to the local ER. I was thinking I had a pinched nerve, they were thinking an aneurysm. They did a scan without contrast and then one with. They were right. I have a 4mm MCA (Middle Cerebral Aneurysm). I went to the University ER and they confirmed and set me up with a neurosurgeon. I had my first appointment with him on April 11th. What an amazing and knowledgeable doctor. He sat down right in front of me and very plainly, in normal words, explained to me what we need to do and what the possible options may be. I have another procedure scheduled for May 24th (angiogram).
FACTUAL INFORMATION
1. We can do a "waiting watch". That means they basically just keep an eye on it. Monthly to Bi Monthly to Yearly. The risk of a rupture, though estimated by age only, is about 1% every 5 years. On the other side of that, there's at least a 70% chance of death if there is a rupture. If I was among the 30% to survive I would be severely mentally and physically handicapped. There's no way to know where it came from, why it's there, how long it's been there. Nor is there any way to know if it will rupture or when.
2. Endovascular, they insert coils into the actual aneurysm to try to fill it in. The risk with this would be the coils causing a leakage or even a possible rupture. Also if the coils were to break lose, or a blood clot attatched to the coil, they can cause a stroke.
3. Brain Surgery. The area is on my right temple and therefore this would be the ideal treatment. They go in through the skull and place a permanent clip on the side of the artery and remove the aneurysm. There's risk associated with this as well. The hospital stay is 10-14 days and the outcome can require in depth rehabilitation.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
My out of pocket is $7200 then the insurance kicks in at 100%. I will be required to pay a percentage up front though I am not exactly sure if that will be 100%. I know we're hoping to get it taken care of as soon as possible. It's so hard to be faced with your mortality and have no idea how you're going to get through this. I have a husband and 2 teenage boys. To look at them and know that there's a very real possibility of not being around for them is heart breaking. I do all I can to stay positive. I spend a lot more time with my family while still trying to reach out and help those in need in our community. I started a nonprofit group about 18 months ago and have been so blessed to be apart of this amazing community. I am also a very proud member of the Lion's Club. I was introduced to the Lions 14 months ago and I absolutely love being with people, who like me, love to help out those in need.
We will be working on other methods to help raise funds locally. I know how hard it is to fund raise because I have done it for so many others. I know how tight money is for all of us. Most of us, myself included, live paycheck to paycheck. Anything you're able to contribute is greatly appreciated. Essentially you are helping to save my life. I can't possibly thank you enough.
***This is a personal fundraiser and not a part of "Humanity Served With A Smile". The group I created to help others is for that purpose only. In no way, directly or indirectly, will it be used to raise funds for me. I will share opportunities to help out (such as this gofundme and other local events) on the group page as I would for anyone else, however, 100% of what's donated will go towards my medical expenses.***
Thank you so very much!!!
Tish
Organizer
Atisha Lynn Russom
Organizer
Morenci, AZ