Doreen Earley Barker's Stroke Recovery

As many of you know, Doreen suffered a massive, right-sided stroke in July 2022. After weeks in critical care at Mass General Hospital, followed by a month at Spaulding Rehab, she is now at home with her family recovering with their help. However, Doreen has a long road ahead of her. She has limited speech and paralysis in her right arm and leg and cannot walk. Our lives have been significantly impacted as she requires 24-hour care and modifications to my parent’s home.

My father continues to work as a carpenter. However, my mother’s work as a nurse provided their health insurance. Now, they are forced to pay out of pocket for health insurance. They are adjusting to her disability income (half of her nurse's income), and she will likely never return to work again. Medical care expenses, health insurance, and modifications to the home have become a financial burden on our family.

At 58 years old with no history of smoking or other risk factors, we are still grappling with how such a devastating stroke will impact our mother’s and father’s lives in the years to come. She has worked as a registered nurse for over a decade. For the past five years, Doreen primarily worked as a visiting nurse for Mass General Brigham Home Care, helping critical homebound patients in Boston, Cambridge, and Charlestown.

Many co-workers, friends, and family members have asked how they can help. We are asking for any donations possible to help Doreen to get through the following year.

Thank you!