Ongoing Recovery Support: Natalie Chandler

As some of you know, Natalie is currently facing an unprecedented and life-threatening situation, and we are reaching out to our beloved community for help.

Back in 2019, Natalie was in the process of fixing a hernia caused by a previous surgery. Due to the pandemic and other factors, this process was delayed and the hernia situation exacerbated. Despite recent efforts to get it repaired, this didn't happen.

On June 4, Natalie experienced what the doctor is calling an internal catastrophe. Nat suffered a devastating medical emergency when her hernia imploded, leaving her perilously close to losing her life. She was swiftly rushed to the hospital by 911 responders and underwent emergency surgery. During the procedure, the doctors discovered that a portion of her colon had become strangled and required immediate removal. Natalie has finally been discharged from the hospital and is now under the care of a dedicated home nurse, as well as her loving spouse, Margaret.

Unfortunately, Natalie’s recovery process will be neither easy nor quick. She will need to rely on an ileostomy bag for at least the next six months while her body heals. She will then need another surgery to reconnect her colon. This emergency surgery created an additional complication which has further delayed her healing. Both of us have been forced to halt our work in order to prioritize Nat’s health and well-being during this challenging time. While we are fortunate to have health insurance, it doesn't cover everything. We are still faced with a significant financial burden, including; copays, prescriptions, home nurses, doctor visits, medical supplies, special food diet, and a large insurance deductible. These medical expenses are on top of our usual living expenses, and with no incoming income at this time, we are financially stressed. Moreover, we are navigating the complex process of applying for disability benefits, which, as we all know, can be lengthy and uncertain.

In light of these circumstances, we humbly appeal to our generous community to rally together and extend a helping hand. Your contributions, no matter the size, will provide invaluable support as we navigate this daunting journey. Any assistance you can provide to help alleviate our financial strain is welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you.