Hi everyone, my name is Danielle, and I’m starting this GoFundMe for my best friend’s mom, Sheila, a woman who has spent nearly her entire life taking care of others and now needs a little help herself.
For decades, she has cared for her brother, Michael, who has Down syndrome. Michael has lived with her since she was just 17 years old. He’s not just her brother. He’s been part of her everyday life for as long as she can remember.
On October 5th, their lives changed in an instant.
Michael suffered a devastating fall down the stairs, resulting in a severe cervical spinal cord injury. He underwent major spinal surgery, and his family is now facing the heartbreaking possibility that he may never walk or regain full use of his hands again.
The future is uncertain, and the road ahead is going to be incredibly long.
But what many people don’t know is just how much his sister is facing herself.
Four years ago, she lost her husband. In March of this year, she had cardiac stents placed. She desperately needs a knee replacement, but that surgery is now being postponed because of Michael’s situation and the need for clearance from cardiology.
She has spent years working nights as a nursing assistant, taking care of other people while coming home to care for Michael.
She is currently on a six-week medical leave, receiving only a percentage of her regular income. On top of that, the small amount of money she received each week for caring for Michael was immediately stopped the moment he was admitted to the hospital.
Her income has been significantly reduced, but her bills haven’t stopped.
And instead of being able to focus on her own health, she’s spending her days at the hospital, sitting beside the brother she has cared for nearly her entire life.
Her children are doing everything they can to help support her and Michael, but this is more than any one family should have to carry.
I live out of state, and watching my best friend and her family go through this while feeling so far away has been heartbreaking. I can’t physically be there every day, but I can try to do something to help.
This is a woman who would give someone the shirt off her back, even if it meant going without herself. She’s never been someone to ask for help.
I’m starting this fundraiser in hopes of taking even a little bit of the financial burden off her shoulders.
Donations will help with everyday bills, lost income, medical expenses, transportation, and the unexpected costs that come with a life-changing family emergency.
No amount is too small, and nobody should feel obligated to give. Even sharing this fundraiser or keeping this family in your prayers means more than you know.
She’s spent her whole life showing up for everyone else. It’s time someone showed up for her. ❤️
Thank you for loving this family through one of the hardest times of their lives.
— Danielle
