Hi, I’m Vanessa and I’m here today to tell you about my best friend (and soul-sister) Karolina. Karolina is a caring, thoughtful, and kind person who adores all animals, especially her cat, Francis. She had a career in BC Housing until a life-altering medical event in March 2024. Karolina is a loyal and reliable person who has always been there for her friends and family. She has huge heart and loves petting and greeting all the dogs when she is out and about. At the end of March Karolina suffered a serious hemorrhagic stroke, resulting in emergency brain surgery and several months in the ICU, the neurological unit of the hospital and in a rehabilitation facility. It was a shock to all of those closest to her. Karolina’s right side was affected and as it stands right now, the use of her right arm and hand, and her right leg, ankle, and foot continue to challenge her. She also has aphasia, which hampers her recovery as it affects her language/communication centers in the brain. Karolina has been participating in out-patient rehabilitation since her release and she still has a long way to go. Throughout her recovery, she has also navigated the emotions of coming to terms with this health event and what it means for her future. Karolina’s out-patient support program will begin to be cut back and it is important that her therapies can continue. She will need solid, consistent, support over the next few years in order to make a full recovery. She is working hard to regain all that she has lost. She regularly sees a speech therapist and a physiotherapist, and has two, weekly, occupational therapist appointments, all of which have advanced her recovery. She continues to need a special four-pronged cane, bath-bench, special bed supports, and the occasional use of a wheelchair. These items that were loaned to her, until now, will have to be returned in the next month. If Karolina is to make the most complete recovery, these supports need to be maintained. Unfortunately, this event happened just a few months before her workplace benefits (that would have included long-term disability) could take effect, and government disability benefits fall dismally short of her continued care and recovery needs. Medical Employment Insurance has also run out, making her continued recovery and progress uncertain. All funds raised will go towards her support recovery services and equipment. The estimate to purchase or long-term rent the essential special equipment (cane, bath bench, and bed supports) is approximately $600. A custom orthotic ankle brace, approx. $500 Recovery care with physio, occupational, and speech-therapists range between $100 to $150 per session. We want to fundraise $15,000 - enough money to cover some of the ongoing costs of these supports for the next 12 months for Karolina, so she can live independently again. Please help me support my beautiful friend on her healing journey. ANY amount is greatly appreciated and accepted with love. Thank you so very much. We'll keep you posted about Karolina’s recovery milestones here.
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