Recovery and Family Support for Linda “Pif” Kehoe

Pif Needs Help

On July 10, 2023, Linda “Pif” Kehoe tripped and fell in her mom’s home. Because of a severe laceration to her head and inability to move, an ambulance was called and transported Pif to East Jefferson General Hospital. Pif’s condition worsened. Her hands were clawing. She was unable to move her legs. An MRI revealed severe compression on her spinal cord by two herniated discs. Pif’s condition continued to deteriorate forcing a neurosurgeon to perform an emergency cervical fusion late into the night of July 11th. The surgery lasted longer than usual resulting in Pif being placed on a ventilator. After surgery, she was deemed to be in “critical condition.”

Unfortunately, when Pif was taken off the ventilator, she still had no mobility of her extremities. After about one week, she was finally able to speak with her doctors and advised them that she had a “sensation” in her hands and feet. The doctors explained that this sensation could be a sign that some of her mobility may return – but this would take many, many months of intensive rehab.

Physical therapy and rehab began at East Jefferson General Hospital, but started in earnest on July 27, 2023 when Pif was transferred to the Touro Hospital Spinal Rehabilitation Unit. Pif has put great effort into regaining function of her arms and legs but she needs more therapy. Pif needs in-patient care, including physical therapy and rehab, so that she can regain the ability to do the simplest of the activities of daily living (bathroom, shower, dressing, etc). She needs 24/7 care that prompts me, her daughter, Sarah, (in school), to ask for your help with the out-of-pocket expenses.

Pif’s health insurance will only pay a certain amount of the costs of in-patient care and, therefore, we have set up this GoFundMe campaign to rally around Pif and help alleviate the financial stress associated with this horrific spinal injury. Your generous donations will directly contribute to Pif’s medical expenses, physical therapy, rehab and necessary equipment to facilitate her recovery.

At present, we estimate Pif will be receiving an additional three months of 24/7 care at Neuro-Restorative, Hammond, Louisiana and hope to raise $30,000 to cover those expenses not covered by health insurance.