Hazel aka Lydia Mashburn
Donation protected
*UPDATE 2*
As of 6/22/23, Lydia has been discharged for about a week now, and has begun the process of transitioning her medical records and healthcare plans from West Virginia to New York. She and Dana will be home shortly, in about a week.
The finalized, itemized bill, and details of financial aid are pending. Lydia’s spirits are good, although she is beginning to feel the isolation of physical impairment. She is walking with a cane and tires easily. The medications and physical therapy are able to keep her pain mostly managed, but she is still struggling.
There will be more tests and evaluations once they get home to NY. Lydia and Dana are in contact with Lydia’s primary care physician there, and a plan is forming with all of her doctors involved. There will be continued medications, plus Occupational and Physical Therapy to help her get back to being the love and laughter creator that she is.
Again, THANK YOU. So much remains unclear, but one thing is for sure: we’re so happy she’s here. Please give what you can, every dollar matters. If you’re unable to give, please share, like, and comment to help boost the algorithm so we can get this seen by as many as we can.
“Thank you everyone for your support, kind words, and donations. We continue to be overwhelmed by the love and generosity of our community and families. At this moment, Dana and I are balanced between what I can do right now, and what I hope I’ll be capable of doing in the near future. It’s a terrible limbo. My work is my life. I love it so much, and your financial help gets me back to doing it that much sooner.”
-Lydia
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*UPDATE 1*
On 6/12/23 the doctors at Charleston Area Medical Center General ordered a cervical spine ultrasound that came back with a troubling “spot” on Lydia’s spinal cord. It could either be inflammation or a stroke. Another MRI was scheduled with contrast, and thankfully, this showed no signs of inflammation.
Neurologists believe the cause of the stroke-like episode was a dissected artery that released a clot, or some thickened blood, into Lydia’s brain. It’s speculative, and unfortunately these situations rarely have a A+B=C solution… C being, as Lydia put it, “Oh God, I can’t move my right side, am I dying?!”
Lydia has also formally been diagnosed with Right Occipital Neuralgia. This can be managed in different ways: medications, needle injections, or a surgery where they burn the nerve. All options come with scary possible side effects, and a very large price tag.
As of 6/14/233, Lydia has been reacting well to the medications prescribed, and has been discharged! Huzzah! Her doctors are prescribing medications, plus physical and occupational therapy, and of course rest, rest, and more rest. We are hopeful that this will help manage the electric pain in her skull, and she will not need surgery. She is still having serious mobility issues, and cannot walk unassisted.
Thank you for all your donations, and please continue to share, boost, and spread the word! We will keep you updated as Lydia’s progress develops.
“I don’t know what to say. I am overwhelmed and speechless from the love and generosity of our community. Dana and I can’t stop crying every time we look. I do not know when I’ll be able to perform again. The terror from this loss of income, and the ever-mounting medical bills, is being helped by this medical financial aide. I am forever grateful for your continued support and generosity. I have no words. We feel so loved. Thank you.” -Lydia
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*ORIGINAL POST*
Biscuits, we need your help. You will know her as Hazel Handkerchief Dupree. You might also know her as Lydia Mashburn. However you know her, you love her, and for the last 22 years, she has been making us smile at Renaissance festivals across the United States. She is the kindest soul, the heart of our company, and the best of us all. She and her wife, Dana McCain (aka Sister Philomena Claire of Hey Nunnie Nunnie) need your help.
But
On 6/10/23, Lydia had a very serious health scare, and had to leave her current show, the West Virginia Renaissance Festival, and was taken by ambulance from the faire to a hospital. That hospital airlifted her to a differently equipped hospital and we all know how expensive that can be. Lydia has been given a preliminary diagnosis of Right Occipital Neuralgia. Surgery is likely and we can confirm that neurological damage has happened. She is currently being assessed and evaluated, and the doctors are continuing tests--spinal tests, MRI, X-rays, etc. We will continue to update you as we learn more from her doctors.
We are asking for friends, family, and fans to help our beloved Lydia financially in this time of need. We know that this is a big ask, but we need you. We need you as much as Lydia and Dana need us. We cannot as a company think of a kinder, more deserving, more loving, or funnier person that needs help in this time. She has given us all so much love and laughter in her life. Please show her that love in return. So, if Lydia, or any of us Wenches, has ever brought a little laughter to your life, or a smile to your face, please donate to her now. All donations will go to Lydia's medical funds. We love you, Biscuits. Thank you.
Fundraising team (2)
Dana McCain
Organizer
Interlaken, NY
Lydia Mashburn
Team member