Brenda Hilliard - Medical Assistanc

On March 21, 2017, Brenda Hilliard suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Brenda has lived alone and independently prior to her stroke, and it is a true blessing that she was at a Board Meeting for the Animal Welfare Shelter the night of her stroke rather than home alone. Brenda was able to phone her only child (my best friend), Jennifer and tell her that she "thinks she is in trouble".

Jennifer immediately rushed to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center where her mom was being transported to the ER. By the time Jennifer got there, Brenda had already had a CT scan and met with a neurosurgeon, Dr. Converse. Brenda was very lethargic and although she could speak, her speech was slurred. It was obvious that Brenda had a stroke, but it wasn't until the following morning that the severity was revealed.

At this point, Jennifer's eldest daughter, Stephanie had arrived from St Petersburg and was with her when they had to make a difficult medical decision on Brenda's behalf. The bleed on her brain had not reduced in size overnight as anticipated, but had gotten larger and the swelling worse. In order to save her life, Brenda needed to have brain surgery to extract as much of the blood as possible. Within an hour, she was in surgery with Dr. Converse.

Jennifer reached out to her prayer warriors and several hours later, Dr. Converse let Jennifer and Stephanie know that the surgery was successful, but discovered that Brenda has "AVM" (Arteriovenous Malformation) which is a tangling of the blood vessels in the brain. This condition occurs in less than 1% of the general population. At this time, Dr. Converse determined it is not medically necessary for a second surgery to remove/repair the AVM.A follow up CT scan in 3 months will determine at that time if there is a need.

Brenda remained in ICU for 8 days and on March 30 was transported to The Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida in Destin for inpatient rehab. Because the bleed was on the right side of her brain, it is the left side of her body that is affected. Initially it was complete paralysis on the left side, but with each day she shows continued progress and improvement. Brenda has a very positive outlook and is so thankful to be alive, but because she has always been so active and independent, she is eager to get better. She gives 100% in her therapy sessions.

After inpatient therapy, Jennifer hopes to move her mom into her home with her 2 teenage daughters, Jaden and Delaney. Brenda will continue with outpatient rehabilitation therapy and also require home health assistance while Jennifer returns back to work. Jennifer and Stephanie both have been blessed with an amazing boss and coworkers who have allowed them to remain by Brenda's side, but eventually Jennifer's paid time off will be used up and she will be forced to return to work rather than by her mom's side.

Brenda does not have medical/health insurance and has incurred many medical expenses already. The primary immediate need right now is for her rehabilitation expenses. Any of you that personally know Brenda, know that she has always been the caregiver to everyone else. She is the one you can always count on to be there to help you in any way she can. Many of you have been on the receiving end of her kindness. It is our time now to show Brenda how much she means to us.
First, Pray!! Second, Give!! Third, Spread the Word!!

Jennifer and Stephanie appreciate all the love and outpouring of support and cannot thank you enough for the calls, texts, emails, visits, and prayers.

Please find it in your heart to donate to this organization in support of this amazing, kind, selfless, woman who needs your assistance in her time of need. Many prayers are needed for Brenda and her daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughters, Stephanie, Jaden, and Delaney.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you ."