Please Help Amy: Stroke Recovery
Donation protected
I was a pretty healthy 23 year old student, until February 5,2015, when I suffered an ischemic stroke while practicing yoga. I remember I was doing bicycle exercises on my mat, when suddenly my whole left side just stopped. I was in complete denial of what was going on, until I couldn't move and my whole left side was weak. When I attempted to get up and walk to the bathroom, I had to drag half of my body weight with me. I thought once I went to the bathroom I would gain my composure. After I got out of the bathroom, I went to sit down and completely lost my balance and collapsed, hitting my head on the tile floor. The women in the bathroom saw me somewhat conscious and called for the receptionist. When she came down by my side I looked up at her with tears and asked, "Am I having a stroke?" She was unsure and probably just as scared as I was so she said, "no."
The floor was so cold while I laid there, hoping and praying someone I knew would come just so I wouldn't feel so alone. I didn't see my mother until I was in the emergency room. After countless CT and MRI scans, they confirmed my worst fear. I indeed had suffered a stroke at 23 years old!! I was also diagnosed with a condition that predisposes me to blood clots. Thus began the battle with my health and my health insurance.
It started with being in the ICU. They couldn't find a bed for me in a rehab facility because I didn't meet the age requirement anywhere. Finally after my mom had complained, they found a bed for me at a senior living center. I was the youngest among people who were mostly 60+. I felt uncomfortable and awkward being in such a confined state and environment. The smells and sounds coming from the neighboring rooms were awful. After a couple months at the center, I got transferred to yet another hospital for intensive inpatient rehab. After a few months at Northridge Hospital, I was discharged and able to receive outpatient. However, I only received 2 months of outpatient therapy until I was cut off completely from receiving more therapy benefits. The health insurance industry can be so heartless and unfair.
I come from a single parent household. My mom has been tirelessly taking care of me. She works several jobs just to make ends meet, let alone takes me to all my therapy and doctor's appointments. I am now raising funds to acquire a therapy tool for my arm and a brace for my left leg. This device sends electrical currents through my body, stimulating my muscles and nerves to grow back the neuronal pathways that were lost after the stroke. They each cost about $6,000-7,000 and both, shockingly, are not covered by health insurance. So, I humbly ask for a donation to reach my goal.
I want to go back to school and continue my education as a student. Every day I wake committed to getting better. My faith is very important to me and has gotten me through a very difficult time. I've been practicing yoga regularly with my teacher in her home, and every week I see improvement. I just started to wiggle my toes! It's the small victories that make such a difference. I would really appreciate a donation, even if it's a small one, as I know I can get even better and could really use the help. Thank you so much.
Me with my yoga teacher on the day of my confirmation.
The floor was so cold while I laid there, hoping and praying someone I knew would come just so I wouldn't feel so alone. I didn't see my mother until I was in the emergency room. After countless CT and MRI scans, they confirmed my worst fear. I indeed had suffered a stroke at 23 years old!! I was also diagnosed with a condition that predisposes me to blood clots. Thus began the battle with my health and my health insurance.
It started with being in the ICU. They couldn't find a bed for me in a rehab facility because I didn't meet the age requirement anywhere. Finally after my mom had complained, they found a bed for me at a senior living center. I was the youngest among people who were mostly 60+. I felt uncomfortable and awkward being in such a confined state and environment. The smells and sounds coming from the neighboring rooms were awful. After a couple months at the center, I got transferred to yet another hospital for intensive inpatient rehab. After a few months at Northridge Hospital, I was discharged and able to receive outpatient. However, I only received 2 months of outpatient therapy until I was cut off completely from receiving more therapy benefits. The health insurance industry can be so heartless and unfair.
I come from a single parent household. My mom has been tirelessly taking care of me. She works several jobs just to make ends meet, let alone takes me to all my therapy and doctor's appointments. I am now raising funds to acquire a therapy tool for my arm and a brace for my left leg. This device sends electrical currents through my body, stimulating my muscles and nerves to grow back the neuronal pathways that were lost after the stroke. They each cost about $6,000-7,000 and both, shockingly, are not covered by health insurance. So, I humbly ask for a donation to reach my goal.
I want to go back to school and continue my education as a student. Every day I wake committed to getting better. My faith is very important to me and has gotten me through a very difficult time. I've been practicing yoga regularly with my teacher in her home, and every week I see improvement. I just started to wiggle my toes! It's the small victories that make such a difference. I would really appreciate a donation, even if it's a small one, as I know I can get even better and could really use the help. Thank you so much.
Me with my yoga teacher on the day of my confirmation.
Organizer
Amy Contreras
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA