Our family is asking for help during one of the most difficult seasons we have ever faced.

My sister, Sarah Peterson, suffered a series of devastating strokes that have completely changed her life. Sarah is only 49 years old and worked hard for more than 25 years before this tragedy occurred. She was independent, hardworking, and the kind of person who helped others whenever they needed it. Today, she is fighting a battle that none of us ever imagined.

In early November, Sarah suffered a series of major strokes that caused severe damage to her brain. What followed has been months of hospitalization, rehabilitation attempts, and heartbreaking setbacks. Despite the best efforts of doctors and therapists, Sarah has been left with profound disabilities.

At this time, Sarah cannot speak. The stroke damaged the areas of her brain responsible for language, and she has lost the ability to communicate with words. She also lost the ability to swallow safely and must now receive nutrition through a feeding tube. In addition, she has no use of her left arm or left leg and requires full assistance for even the most basic tasks of daily life.

Sarah cannot stand, walk, or transfer herself without help. She cannot sit upright for long periods without support. She requires constant care, specialized medical equipment, and assistance with every aspect of daily living. Doctors have also found lesions on her brain during imaging, and she has undergone extensive testing as they continue to try to understand the full scope of the damage.

After spending months in the hospital and weeks in rehabilitation, the difficult reality is that Sarah will need long-term skilled nursing care. Unfortunately, the cost of long-term care is extremely high.

Sarah’s health insurance is limited and does not completely cover the long-term care services she now requires. Her application for Social Security Disability (SSDI) is still pending, and she is not yet eligible for Medicaid, which normally helps cover nursing home or long-term care expenses for people in her condition. This leaves our family facing a significant financial burden while we wait for those programs to process.

Our elderly parents have taken responsibility for her care and have been granted full Power of Attorney so they can manage medical and financial decisions on her behalf. They are doing everything they can to help their daughter during this incredibly difficult time, but the expenses associated with her care are overwhelming.

Funds raised through this campaign will help cover essential costs such as:

• Long-term care facility expenses

• Medical supplies and feeding tube support equipment

• Specialized medical equipment and hospital expenses

• Transportation for medical appointments

• Ongoing care needs that insurance does not cover

Most of all, these funds will help ensure that Sarah receives the safe and compassionate care she needs during this chapter of her life.

Our family believes strongly in faith, prayer, and the kindness of others. If you are able to contribute in any amount, it would mean more than words can express. Every donation helps relieve a small portion of the burden and helps us provide Sarah with the care and dignity she deserves.

If you are not able to donate, we completely understand. We simply ask that you consider sharing this page and keeping Sarah in your prayers.

Thank you for taking the time to read Sarah’s story and for any support you are able to provide. Your kindness and compassion mean more to our family than we can ever fully express.