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Local Educator Had Brain Surgery

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I want to introduce you to a dear friend and colleague, Kimberly Rowan.  I came to know Kimberly when she worked at my high school. She was a school leader and mentor to me. She was instrumental in supporting me as I embarked on my Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities (PSEO) at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. I came to know Kimberly as a selfless and caring educator and person. Kimberly led me to see the value of hard work and perseverance in pursuing my dreams.  I was delighted to discover that Kimberly and I would be working together this school year at a new charter school; Kimberly as the Director of Instruction, and me as the MARSS Coordinator. 

Kimberly has dedicated her life to the education of youth across the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Kimberly has had ongoing and excruciating ear pain for the past 3 years. Doctors have been unable to determine the cause of her pain. During a trip to the emergency room 6 months ago, a doctor realized that Kimberly's symptoms were actually caused by a nerve disorder called trigeminal neurolgia. Kimberly has since been on a variety of nerve and seizure medications in an attempt to treat the condition and reduce the pain. This course of treatment has been unsuccessful, so she was advised to see a neurosurgeon. 

In her recent visit, the neurosurgeon realized that Kimberly's condition was much more complicated than originally thought. Kimberly suffers from trigeminal and glossopharangeal neurolgia on both sides of her face. This is extremely rare. The excruciating pain caused from the trigeminal neurolgia alone has led doctors themselves to call the condition "Suicide Pain". The pain is caused by blood vessels pressing on the nerves. With both nerves affected, Kimberly's pain goes unrelieved despite high doses of dilaudid. Her last flare led to an inability to sleep for over 192 hours.

Kimberly's surgery was done at the University of  Minnesota Hospital East by the Chief of Neurology, Dr. Stephen Haines, on 3/30/17. The surgeon located both nerves and placed a cushion between the nerve and blood vessel in the affected areas.  On average, this procedure is effective and lasts for about 10 years without return of symptoms.

Post-op, Kimberly has been closely observed where positive recovery has been noted.  Beginning yesterday it has been observed that Kimberly's breathing has not been adequate. With very huge amounts of oxygen being administered Kimberly still struggles to breathe.  Kimberly will be undergoing a number of tests and will be intubated tomorrow.  

Although Kimberly does have medical insurance, both the University Hospitals and her surgeon are considered out of network. Kimberly's policy carries a high dedutible/out-of-pocket expense of $10,000.  Donated funds will help defer this cost as well as provide for her extensive needs during recovery as she will have no income during that time. Kimberly' recovery will be much more painful and lengthy than orinally planned.  Please consider making a donation, in whatever amount Our Lord leads you to.

Kimberly lives as a single adult and provides for her own needs. She is not worried or afraid of the upcoming procedure but is extremely concerned about her impending financial status. Kimberly has minimal savings and her family is unable to help.

On behalf of Kimberly and her family, I greatly appreciate your support.  Any donation is helpful in relieving Kimberly's financial concerns and will allow her to focus on a successful recovery.  When able, Kimberly will express her own feelings of gratitude for your generosity.

Thank you

Edits made by Kimberly today.
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Donations 

  • Janet Hagen
    • $20
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Kimberly Rowan
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Kimberly Rowan
Beneficiary

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