Peggy's Rehab and Therapy Fund
Hi Everyone,
My name is Mark, a friend of Peggy whom upon a visit to the assisted living facility where she now lives, I found basically alone in this world. Only a couple of years ago she was a vibrant and vivacious lady enjoying her retirement frequenting live local bands, concerts, theater and a plethora of activities in meet up groups and ESPECIALLY volunteer work. Her entire working life has been dedicated to public service. She started out as an educator in her hometown of Pittsburgh. After she moved to south Florida she became a teacher with Miami-Dade Schools until she retired. She continued to volunteer with reading programs for LD children and also volunteered at The Bonnet House, Parker Playhouse, Au Renee Theater and Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
She always knew the best places to eat, brunch, happy hour and have fun. And ALWAYS where the best deals were. She was a whirlwind of social activity. But in the summer of 2018 she took a bad fall in the parking lot of an event she was ushering for as a volunteer. She broke her hip and this was the beginning of a downward spiral that began the onset of Parkinson's disease and her inability to live independently. Her girlfriends tried to care for her and keep her in her home, but after several falls and emergency ambulance trips it became apparent that Peggy could no longer live alone or afford in home nursing care. Her house and most of her treasured possessions were sold and/or donated and she ended up living in an ALF. She had two treasured dogs Rita and Zsa Zsa. Rita had to be put down and a neighbor took Zsa Zsa who died shortly after that. It's a lot to lose in such a short amount of time.
When I visited her the end of May this year, I hadn't seen her in 13 months due to Covid concerns. I was struck to find her virtually non verbal and a fraction of her normal self. She was now also dependent upon a walker. Her legs were severely swollen from edema and the skin in places was cracked, bumpy and stretched from the pressure. Her feet were also huge and her nails in severe need of attention. I don't know how this was allowed to happen, but things have improved. Unfortunately, Peggy fell out of bed in mid July and 2 days later was sent to the hospital, Upon several evaluations she was discharged to an acute rehabilitation facility where she is now receiving intensive and dedicated therapies. It was determined this week that Peggy will likely never regain her ability to speak due to a blockage in her throat (CP bar) and nerve and cognitive issues related to Parkinson's. The O/T (occupational therapy) she is receiving aims to help restore Peggy's ability to perform the everyday personal care functions that most of us take for granted and consider automatic.
Peggy's insurance covers her first 20 days in rehab then every day after that a $150 copay. Her expected discharge date is 8/20/21 This will leave approximately 10 days uncovered. That combined with the unpaid ambulance copays of $1,430 (as far as I know) comes to just under $3,000. If you are wondering why I am seeking $4,250, it is to also cover the fees subtracted for this fund raiser and possibly some in home therapy to be continued upon her release to her ALF. ANY OVERAGE I WOULD DIRECT TO PEGGY'S MONTHLY RENT AT HER ALF.
I am hoping that all the good karma and volunteering that Peggy has done in her lifetime will come back to her in this fractional amount. Whatever you can donate, let's show Peggy she's not alone. If you can't donate, spread the word. If you can donate SPREAD THE WORD. Thank You!!!