Charlotte’s Medical Fund - Surgery and Recovery
Donation protected
My sister, who has Crohn’s Disease (an autoimmune disease) just came home this weekend (July 15) after undergoing an emergency surgery to remove her colon and appendix. The case was so severe and unusual she was told it could have killed her, and the colon itself has been sent for research purposes to help medical practitioners in the future prepare for cases like hers.
The admission, surgery, and initial recovery took place after two previous admittances since June that left her paralyzed with severe, indescribable abdominal pain. Each time she was sent home, she was told to simply rest, take basic medication and ride it out. By the time a bonafide specialist made the decision to do an emergency colectomy, family had come from out of town to sit with her in the ICU. Her specialist’s assessment was that she was extremely lucky they did the surgery.
We’re grateful that the surgery worked and her body has stopped attacking itself. She’s on her way to recovery but now has to face a lifetime of new expenses related to having an ileostomy bag. She will have to change parts of her diet, buy a few specialty clothing items, and front the cost of items not yet covered by insurance, including parts of the next two weeks home healthcare.
She and her husband are raising three kids under age 6. They can use financial help to stabilize Charlotte in her short-term recovery and longterm lifestyle change.
We’re asking for help to cover the transition period. While both Charlotte and her husband are employed, the sudden costs exceeds what they can afford out of pocket at the moment.
A few friends and family have already purchased a few items and are helping in other ways (looking after kids, rearranging house).
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jeremy Brooks
Organizer
Portsmouth, VA
Charlotte Roettges
Beneficiary