Injured RN, HOMETOWN HERO needs help! Buffalo, NY

Hello,

I'm Mike and this fundraiser is for my sister Lisa. My sister has dedicated her entire life to helping others; professionally she does this as a Registered Nurse. Lisa is the most caring, selfless, and compassionate, person I know. Sadly she has suffered a devastating back injury while caring for a patient, and has fallen between the cracks of our healthcare system.

Lisa possesses strength and conviction which leaves me in awe. She works in a hospital unit focusing on fetal testing. Her area of expertise specializes in "High Risk" pregnancies. In the not-too-distant past, my loving sister lost 2 children of her own on separate occasions. If it were not for Mercy Flight and the heroic efforts of the flight crew, she too would have lost her life when complications arose. Despite the tragic loss of 2 children, she remains dedicated to her profession with an enhanced sense of purpose and empathy. The things that happen regularly within her unit can be heartbreaking, yet she remains committed. Subjecting herself to these tragic scenarios in the wake of her own personal loss demonstrates a level of commitment and strength that is undeniable and commendable. Lisa also continued working through the covid pandemic contracting the virus herself. At the onset of Covid she was given the option to stay home and collect more money than she earned while working. She refused the easier path for the sake of delivering the highest level of care to her patients. That's a serious commitment!

This is the quintessential time to give a HUGE shout out to all of our first responders and care providers. Take a bow, and know you are appreciated. Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed!!!

Unfortunately, my sister has found herself in a situation where she could benefit from some of the selflessness and compassion she regularly projects on the people around her. Recently while at work she suffered an acute and debilitating back injury while directly providing care to an expecting mother. Lisa underwent emergency back surgery in the wake of this sudden and unexpected injury.

Unfortunately, her care and well-being remain in a state of limbo as Worker's Compensation, Disability and her healthcare provider feud over who is responsible for the cost of her care. Currently, Lisa is unable to even schedule her continued care. It's hard to imagine but; some of the agencies involved will not see or schedule patients until our current system designates one of the 3 aforementioned agencies responsible for the cost of her treatment. Unfortunately, she's had to hire an attorney to work through the dysfunction of this seriously flawed system, delaying the care she needs and adding to the mounting financial pressure this situation has caused.

We all remain optimistic that Lisa will make a full recovery in time. But, as is the case with acute back issues; her degree of recovery and timeframe for such remains uncertain. Currently, she is unable to work in any capacity or even drive a vehicle. The inability to work has eliminated her capacity to earn an income, while her monthly bills continue to rise. I am hopeful that with your help, together we might generate enough support to alleviate the financial pressure this scenario has created. The funding generated through gofundme, will be used to directly pay for the medical care and procedures for which she is currently being denied. A portion will also be utilized for regular household bills. Financial relief will allow her to focus her full effort & energy on recovery. The doctors involved with her care agree she should anticipate a minimum of 8-10 months for recovery. It may take a year or longer before Lisa is cleared medically to return to work. Lisa is a proud and dedicated single mother with 2 sons to provide for. I remind her regularly that she will get through this, together and with a little help.

I am very encouraged! I am a newbie when it comes to gofundme. But, I have seen the generosity and selflessness of people while familiarizing myself with this platform. I very much appreciate your taking the time to read this. Any support which can alleviate some of the pressures incurred to Lisa are wholeheartedly welcome and appreciated.

I know my sister will eventually be reading this post, so this last passage is for her.

Dear Lisa,

I know that asking for help has never come easy for you. Please don't be too upset with me for this posting. Keep your chin up and continue the good fight, as you always do. I'm very proud of you, and I want to let the whole World Wide Web to know how much I LOVE MY SISTER!

Your brother,

Mike