Mary Lou's Miracle

Hello,

I'm Steve Dalton, the son of Mary Lou Heastings, and I'm asking for your help. On April 14th, my mom suffered a massive cerebellar stroke affecting both hemispheres of her brain. She was rushed to the hospital and had immediate neurosurgery to save her life, leaving her motor functions severely impaired.

While this type of stroke affects body movement, eye movement, and balance, luckily her cognitive abilities seem to have been spared and her personality remains intact. She still has a good sense of humor and can laugh and smile. She seems to comprehend questions and some conversation, however, she cannot articulate her responses enough for a definitive understanding of her abilities.

My mom needs 24/7 care, and they are projecting that her recovery will take 18 months. At this time, she is still in sub-acute rehab- where she is getting physical, occupational, and speech therapy five times a week, three times a day. She cannot swallow and currently must use a feeding tube to get her nutrition and medicine. She cannot walk on her own, speak clearly, sit up without falling due to her balance, or perform any of the personal daily functions that go along with living a normal, independent life. She is fighting hard every day to improve, but it is a terrible struggle for her.


Due to COVID-19, there has been very limited interaction with her in the hospital and even less at her rehab facility. I was able to spend a few hours with her in June during her transfer from intensive care to the rehab facility, interact with her, and watch her during therapy. It put in perspective what a long road she has ahead of her. We are able to periodically FaceTime, but because of the stress on the hospitals, that is limited to once a week. 

The doctors and nurses have been extraordinary, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their sacrifices in this unique time in all of our lives. 

As many of you know, Mary Lou was the CEO of her company, Executive Alliance, and threw her heart and soul into the operations of the company. I'm currently winding down that part of her life, as she won't be able to return to it any time in the near future- something I'm sure she is coming to terms with now, and for all intents and purposes, she is retired. Unfortunately, her dream of selling the company and retiring on her boat is not going to happen, as the company is ceasing operations and her assets are being sold to pay for her medical needs. 

The hardest part of this is having to tell my mom that when she comes out of this, she will have lost her career, house, boat, and most of her possessions- and she will be moving to an assisted living facility for the foreseeable future. The upside is that she survived and she has loving friends and family that will help her at every step to recover and regain her independence once more. The outpouring of cards and prayers and kind thoughts thus far has been overwhelming and really exemplifies the relationships she has built throughout her life. Thank you.


There is light at the end of the tunnel and I know that my mom will fight every day to get back to her old self- to ride with her motorcycle gang, cruise the river as captain of her own ship, bounce around the corners of the globe with her dearest friends, be the caring and hilarious sister, aunt, daughter, mom, and grandmother to her family, and most of all- be the light in the room that has drawn in so many great people in her life.

Thank you for your ongoing support and thank you for your love of my mom.

-Steve