Act of Kindness

Asking for help is not something she’s good at, so I’m going to do it for her.

As many of you know, my sister-in-law, Skye Sharp, was bit by a dog in July 2022. She was walking her sweet little Bella when a dog got out their front door. Skye swooped Bella up into her arms without hesitation but the dog was still able to get Bella by her throat and wouldn’t let go. The dog drug Bella and Skye down the sidewalk and in the ordeal, Skye was bit too. Fortunately Bella survived after an emergency surgery, subsequent vet visits and a lot of love and care. She’s more timid than she has ever been, but she’s ok. If you know anything about Skye than you know her fur babies are her world and she would do anything for them. This day was no different.

Unfortunately Skye’s story has not been as short. Skye started a new job shortly before this happened. While they have been gracious and very understanding, this limited her financial options from the start unfortunately with the benefits unavailable to her. Skye has dealt with four hospital visits, two hospitalizations, and multiple procedures and surgeries. She has seen Physical Therapists, Wound Care Physicians, and Infectious Disease Physicians. She has had X-rays, MRIs, and many, many appointments since. Somewhere in between, she even went back to check on the dog that bit her. She wanted to know that that dog was ok too.

Most recently in February-March, Skye spent 9 days in UC Hospital after a procedure left her septic and in need of another emergency surgery. She returned home with a home health nurse, a wound vac, and an order to be off work another two weeks.

Sky's spirit is not like it usually is. She is outgoing, helpful, caring, and busy, but lately, she is stressed and worried how she will get by. Sky's dominant arm was bit so every day Skye is reminded of what she's facing. She is learning to become more proficient with her left hand; she is thankfully receiving help with cooking and caring for her home after this has left her with hopefully temporary limited use of her right hand but all while the hours missed at work add up and the bills pile up. Her attorney told her to pay the minimum through a payment plan for her steep mound of medical bills but without work, she doesn't know how to do this. She was given the payment option of $300 monthly for just one of many of her bills.

This was supposed to be the year Skye could focus on herself and after the recent loss of Skye's best friend, their mother, who Skye was the primary support system and caregiver for, we all know she needs and deserved that but instead this is her path. This is what she has to deal with now. Skye has been off work for 3 weeks this time. She is expecting more but hoping for less. She has rent to pay, utilities to pay, and just needs a little help from whoever is willing. I know Skye does not want to be in this position. I know Skye does not want to ask for help. I know she does not want that one July day to change the trajectory of her life. I know Skye feels vulnerable by her willingness to allow us to ask for her friends and family's help but I also know that she is strong, she is loved, and she will get through this because of who she is and because of those she has chosen to surround herself with.

If you are in a position to donate to help Skye stay on her feet, our family would be incredibly grateful.