Maggie's Brain Surgery Recovery Fund

Hello my dear friends, family, and associates!

It is not in my nature to ask anyone for help let alone money, but I've come to accept the fact that now is the time to step out of my comfort zone. 

On Wednesday May 25th I will be back on the operating table. This time it will be for what's called a cerebral bypass surgery. In laymen's terms, I'm getting my head cut open, and they're going to Frankenstein an artery from my arm and put it in my brain to connect a healthy brain artery to a "diseased" brain artery...
...It doesn't end there. I also must move out of my current apartment at the end of June. I am thrilled about this because I have already established my next place of residence and it's the best situation for me. 

In the past year, many of you have asked me how you can help me as you've watched me endure employment, housing, and medical difficulties while starting my life over in NYC. Nothing quite beats what I'm looking at for the next few months. Your help is vital to this pivotal time in my life. 

Recovery time varies per person, but my neurosurgeon advised me that it generally takes about 6 weeks. I will not be able to work for at least 2 months, possibly more. Adding a move to the picture, I need to account for the physical, emotional, and mental fatigue involved that will slow down my recovery. People who had this surgery told me that they needed 12+ hours of sleep a day.
With my current health, I sleep 9 or 10 hours and I am tired most of the day with about 5 hours of productive energy available. 

Your financial contribution will help cover moving expenses, daily living expenses, and potential medical expenses that I may incur...
My first priority is to secure my new apartment at all costs with the first month's rent plus 1 month deposit, both due by June 15th. I will also need to pay for an interstate move to NJ. (I know I'm going to get a lot of flak from my NYC people, but trust me it's for the better)! I will be needing moving supplies such as boxes. 

Some other expenses include things like takeout food for days that I am too tired to cook, car transportation, and necessities for my recovery such as pillows to properly support my head and keep me from sleeping on the wrong side. 

Phew! This is a lot!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I am quite terrified but I am putting all my focus into positive thinking. The uncertainty of everything makes my head spin, but I am so determined. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to this cerebral bypass surgery. I may be able to do some things even better because of the extra blood flow that will be feeding my brain more oxygen! I am thrilled by this prospect, and I hope you're excited too.   


The Science:

My first round of hospitalizations was 7 years ago. One of my 4 major arteries (my right internal carotid artery) was "coiled," or closed off, in order to prevent a huge aneurysm from bursting in my head, which would have otherwise taken my life. I was very lucky, just as I am lucky now.
Last year I experienced what's called a Transient Ischemic Attack aka "mini stroke." After multiple tests since then, we found that the right side of my brain is receiving 10 times less oxygen than the left side of my brain. It's caused the narrowing of another big artery, the middle cerebral artery. Go figure! 

Every doctor and specialist that I've seen since 2014 is flabbergasted by the fact that I am still alive and well! I've seen so many jaws drop that I constantly wonder "How is this happening and why is it happening to me?"

Now ya girl needs surgery so as to avoid a lethal stroke. The great thing about this surgery is that not only will it prolong my life, but it is very likely that it will ameliorate some of the physical and cognitive deficits that I've incurred from the procedure in 2015. Examples of these deficits are: chronic pain and stiffness on the left side of my body, poor balance, difficulties with memory recall, visual and auditory processing, problem solving, and more.


My Goals, Dreams, and Desires:

I feel that this will be the start of the bright future I once thought I had years ago. It may not look like what I imagined, but it will without question bring me closer than I've ever been to my life purpose. What that is is still a question mark due to my current circumstances, but I truly believe that your donations will help me get there.

I want to be able to keep laughing and making others laugh. I want to get back to my passions of dancing, acting, and entertaining. I want to hone my crafts and talents again. I want to keep bringing people to a place of joy, fantasy, and wonder with my art if even for a moment. Learning, absorbing, processing, remembering are things I miss the most. Hopefully I will be able to enjoy books again. I also want to get back into my spiritual studies. 

I can't wait to keep sharing my stories with people who want and need to hear them. I want to soothe sore hearts and dark minds by continuing to uplift those who could use my hand... especially those suffering from brain aneurysms and chronic illnesses. 


Don't Have the Money?