Help Lynn W. with Life-Saving Medical Costs

“Lynn is such a caring, sweet, and kind woman! She always has a smile on her face!”

“Your mom was our favorite children’s librarian!”

When I introduce myself as Lynn’s Wrzosek’s daughter, invariably the response is “I/We love her!”

My mother has lived a life of service to others:

-Whether to the kids who experienced my mother’s creative reading programs at Peter’s Township Public Library;

-her tenacity as a Latin and English teacher at Kensington High in inner-city Buffalo, where she was part of a Teacher/Student bowling league;

-her ability to bring joy (and awesome crafts!) to elderly residents at Friendship Village; or

-her unending patience as she later worked with Dementia patients in the Special Care Unit within that same senior community.

My mother brings kindness and compassion to those around her … and on many occasions (as her coworkers will attest) a whole lotta sass!

My 75-year-old mother has a gift for helping others feel heard, seen, loved, and accepted, along with a sixth sense for knowing when an extra hug or words of encouragement are needed. Lynn has worked two jobs for a good portion of her life and missed out on many family events and gatherings. Once her kids became adults, she often chose to cover holidays so that her coworkers with young kids could enjoy time with their loved ones.

To make ends meet after retirement, she worked through the pandemic as a part-time associate at a local pharmacy. She took on extra hours to help out with understaffing issues, even though her mobility and quality of life began to suffer.

In December 2021, Lynn experienced a life-changing medical emergency – increasing levels of pain left her barely able to eat, drink, or take care of herself. All of these factors combined caused her blood sugar levels to sky-rocket dangerously. By the time we were able to get her admitted to a hospital, she was hyperglycemic, dehydrated, and so anemic she required a blood transfusion. Her kidneys were in acute failure.

Numerous other tests revealed multi-level degenerative changes in her back; severe spinal stenosis, a back condition that occurs when the open spaces within the spine narrow; and severe arthritis in her hip. We were blessed she was hospitalized in time because it was a closer call than we imagined.

After 8 days in the hospital and 18 days in physical therapy rehabilitation centers, Lynn has gone from working part-time and being able to drive to see her grandkids; to being housebound; unable to walk unassisted and limited to short distances; still in constant pain; and struggling to manage her Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Renal complications, and other health conditions. All of this has been compounded by increasing Dementia symptoms and short-term memory issues, which are nerve-wracking for us and incredibly frustrating and disheartening for my mother.

It has become apparent Lynn cannot return to work and is no longer safe living alone. With the closest family member living 40 minutes away, getting Lynn immediate support has become an URGENT NEED. We are investigating any potential support available through state and local programs, but those wheels turn slowly, and it is time we don’t have.

I have taken an unpaid leave of absence to coordinate and provide her care. The Pittsburgh family crew has been incredibly helpful the past few months, but our financial resources are limited. We know it will take time to find an appropriate facility and arrange the move from her apartment. In the meantime, the numerous bills are piling up, and the doctor’s appointments keep coming while we try to get her medical challenges and living situation under control.

Kindness Warriors, this is where you come in. You can change the outcome for Lynn, who has given so much to her family, extended family, and community over the years.

Will you join our critical mission to provide Lynn with life-saving medical care by donating today?

We will use your gifts for the following:

**Hiring a Private Nurse or Health Aide until we can get Mom into an assisted living facility closer to family.**

This is the most pressing need. Lynn does receive some assistance from a home healthcare program, but it is not nearly enough coverage. Someone must be checking on Lynn and helping with the activities of daily living most days of the week. The following cost is based on PA rates provided by seniorcare.com.

Estimated cost: ($4,000/month) March, April, and May

*Pre-existing Medical bills incurred during her hospital stay, physical therapy rehabilitation, prescriptions and ongoing doctor and specialist appointments as we look for the best way forward to manage her pain and accompanying health issues.

Estimated cost to date: December 2021 – Feb 2022, $7600

March 2022 – May 2022, TBD

*Lynn’s monthly living expenses until we can get her into a new place (rent, health insurance, cable, cell phone, electric, groceries/meals/delivery).

Estimated cost: December 2021- May 2021, $1,600 per month

*Family transportation costs, including taking Lynn to and from appointments and medical tests. Round trips to my mom’s place and back are 32-54 miles for family members.

Estimated cost per month: $3.55 a gallon, $360 for the entire family

*Moving expenses once a suitable living situation is located.

Estimated cost: $1500 for movers, truck, and supplies.

*Jocelyn’s loss of earnings. As Lynn’s Power of Attorney, coordinating and providing her care has been a full-time job. I have not been able to work much these past 3 months, and I anticipate anywhere from 1-3 more months of coordination care.

Estimated cost: 40 hours a week @ $18/hr, $2,880 a month

*Any unforeseen expenses that may arise associated with Lynn’s treatment

Estimated costs: TBD. I will continue to update expenses as the situation evolves.

*************************************************************************

We understand many people may not be in the position to donate monetarily, especially with the uncertainty of the last few years.

Luckily, there are additional ways to help!

-Sharing this story with as many people as possible through social media platforms, email, or any other avenues that can raise awareness and contribute to Lynn’s cause

-Reaching out to Lynn’s former coworkers, friends, colleagues, etc. to update them regarding her current situation

-Or even just sending a card or word of encouragement. I know Mom could use the mental and emotional boost. PO BOX address will be provided upon request.

I’m doing my best to keep a brave face. But I wake up every morning with a sense of panic until I get that first text response from my mom. It is hard to fight off the feeling of helplessness and anxiety as we’re facing a new challenge every day, knowing this patchwork way of trying to care for Lynn ourselves will eventually be unsustainable without community support.

Any amount will make a difference. Please help us show Lynn she is loved during this challenging life transition by making a caring contribution today.

Gratefully yours,

Jocelyn

PS I believe transparency in fundraising is essential, and I will continue to put together a breakdown of expenses. I’m happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.