Maryann Russell Funeral Fund
Donation protected
Dear Family and Friends,
On the night of December 16th, Mom/Meme/Maryann, depending on how you knew her, suffered a devastating Subarachnoid hemorrhage - a life-threatening type of stroke, caused by a ruptured aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery of her brain’s left hemisphere. Over the next several days Mom would undergo multiple surgeries, including two decompressive craniectomy’s, in an effort to reduce the intensified swelling in her brain. The Surgeries were successful in that they aided in reducing the problematic swelling, however, four additional brain injuries occurred as a result of the initial injury.
For seven days we watched Mom fight for her life. We listened to dozens of doctors update us on mom’s condition and her injuries. The extensive brain injuries incurred would leave Mom with little too no Cognitive Functions encompassing reasoning, memory, attention, and language. She would be blind and paralyzed on her right side, and should she awaken from her coma, she would need specialized care 24/7.
On the morning of December 24th Mom’s condition declined further. The care she had been receiving would change from vigorously fighting for her life to enabling her comfort. At 3:06pm, Mom would give us her last bit of light, her last gift, her last moment with us. In hindsight, she wasn’t just fighting for her life, she was fighting for us, the ones who are left behind.
The most challenging parts of this difficult circumstance have only yet to begin. The cost associated with the sudden passing of our Mother has surpassed any budget that already existed prior to having to arrange and pay for a funeral. The amount of household income will change and adjusting will be a challenge.
My sisters and I have set up this Go Fund Me page in an effort to help raise money needed to defray the unforeseen expenses associated with the acute care Mom received in the Neurological ICU and the Funeral costs. Many of you have asked “how you could help,” and if “there is anything we could do to help please let us know.” Donating to this Fund would be an enormous gift, to both Mom and our Dad. No gift is to small or too large. If you are unable to donate, we completely understand and want to thank you for thinking of us and Mom.
Warmest regards,
Team Meme (Sheri, Haley, Tracey, Ashley)
For one more day… That is what we all wanted - to have you for one more day.
One more day to say we love you, to say goodnight, to listen to you laugh, to hear your wisdom and your wisecracks, to laugh about silly things, to play with bubbles, and paints, and glitter. One more day we could watch you take photographs and pour your heart into everything you love. One more day so we could tell you just how much you meant to us and how thankful we are for you, and to let you know we are who we are because a part of you lives inside of us.
Today was not that day. Today we lost you. Today heaven gained another Angel. Today our hearts are breaking. The light you created was immeasurable, the moments you captured are invaluable, and the unconditional love you gave is priceless. Today just doesn’t feel like a “day”..
On Saturday December 29th we laid you to rest; We want to leave you with this...
Don’t be afraid to leave this place - to leave this world behind. Be brave enough to soar above the clouds and travel the unknown.
Don’t let our fear be your map. Don’t let comfort determine where you stay. Let your curiosity guide you and don’t be afraid of getting lost - you may just find who you need.
Listen for our thoughts and hear our hearts beat, and trust that you will find your way home.
Be the wind that rustles the leaves, gently blows through our hair, and whispers in our ear, reminding us that you are near.
Continue to guide us with your light and help us snuff out the dark. Gently remind us that without darkness light cannot exist, and as we look to the sky we will find you twinkling in the night.
The light you created was immeasurable, the moments you captured are invaluable, and the unconditional love you gave is priceless. We love you bunches…take this new journey one day at a time, for that is enough….
On the night of December 16th, Mom/Meme/Maryann, depending on how you knew her, suffered a devastating Subarachnoid hemorrhage - a life-threatening type of stroke, caused by a ruptured aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery of her brain’s left hemisphere. Over the next several days Mom would undergo multiple surgeries, including two decompressive craniectomy’s, in an effort to reduce the intensified swelling in her brain. The Surgeries were successful in that they aided in reducing the problematic swelling, however, four additional brain injuries occurred as a result of the initial injury.
For seven days we watched Mom fight for her life. We listened to dozens of doctors update us on mom’s condition and her injuries. The extensive brain injuries incurred would leave Mom with little too no Cognitive Functions encompassing reasoning, memory, attention, and language. She would be blind and paralyzed on her right side, and should she awaken from her coma, she would need specialized care 24/7.
On the morning of December 24th Mom’s condition declined further. The care she had been receiving would change from vigorously fighting for her life to enabling her comfort. At 3:06pm, Mom would give us her last bit of light, her last gift, her last moment with us. In hindsight, she wasn’t just fighting for her life, she was fighting for us, the ones who are left behind.
The most challenging parts of this difficult circumstance have only yet to begin. The cost associated with the sudden passing of our Mother has surpassed any budget that already existed prior to having to arrange and pay for a funeral. The amount of household income will change and adjusting will be a challenge.
My sisters and I have set up this Go Fund Me page in an effort to help raise money needed to defray the unforeseen expenses associated with the acute care Mom received in the Neurological ICU and the Funeral costs. Many of you have asked “how you could help,” and if “there is anything we could do to help please let us know.” Donating to this Fund would be an enormous gift, to both Mom and our Dad. No gift is to small or too large. If you are unable to donate, we completely understand and want to thank you for thinking of us and Mom.
Warmest regards,
Team Meme (Sheri, Haley, Tracey, Ashley)
For one more day… That is what we all wanted - to have you for one more day.
One more day to say we love you, to say goodnight, to listen to you laugh, to hear your wisdom and your wisecracks, to laugh about silly things, to play with bubbles, and paints, and glitter. One more day we could watch you take photographs and pour your heart into everything you love. One more day so we could tell you just how much you meant to us and how thankful we are for you, and to let you know we are who we are because a part of you lives inside of us.
Today was not that day. Today we lost you. Today heaven gained another Angel. Today our hearts are breaking. The light you created was immeasurable, the moments you captured are invaluable, and the unconditional love you gave is priceless. Today just doesn’t feel like a “day”..
On Saturday December 29th we laid you to rest; We want to leave you with this...
Don’t be afraid to leave this place - to leave this world behind. Be brave enough to soar above the clouds and travel the unknown.
Don’t let our fear be your map. Don’t let comfort determine where you stay. Let your curiosity guide you and don’t be afraid of getting lost - you may just find who you need.
Listen for our thoughts and hear our hearts beat, and trust that you will find your way home.
Be the wind that rustles the leaves, gently blows through our hair, and whispers in our ear, reminding us that you are near.
Continue to guide us with your light and help us snuff out the dark. Gently remind us that without darkness light cannot exist, and as we look to the sky we will find you twinkling in the night.
The light you created was immeasurable, the moments you captured are invaluable, and the unconditional love you gave is priceless. We love you bunches…take this new journey one day at a time, for that is enough….
Fundraising team: Team Meme (4)
Tracey Russell Erskine
Organizer
Billerica, MA
Ashley Russell
Team member
Gabrielle Marie Russell
Team member
Haley Peck
Team member