Stroke Recovery Relief for Linda Mock, Nurse
Donation protected
On April 5, 2020, our exceptionally strong mother, Linda, experienced a stroke just a few days after her 67th birthday. If anyone has had the pleasure of knowing our mother, you know she has an iron will like no other and a tender heart of gold that exceeds your average kindness and generosity. Linda has been a nurse giving care to those in need for about 22 years, and she is known by many of her colleagues for her leadership, passion, and her selfless personality. She is always there to save the day of a distressed family member, a troubled patient, or an overwhelmed colleague.
Linda suffered a stroke during the night at her home in Aldrich, MO. Our dad, Terry, found her in the morning unable to move or talk. Unable to identify when the trauma occurred or if it was over yet, an ambulance was called in from 45 minutes away. The ambulance took her to a nearby town where she was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield, MO. Unfortunately, due to the current state of the Coronavirus they didn’t allow anyone to go with her, which has ultimately made this the most difficult for her as well as our family and friends. I can’t express how crazy it feels to have our Mom suffer this trauma and not being able to see her or to physically support her through this most critical time.
After ICU care in the hospital, we were informed she had a moderate to severe Ischemic stroke. Mom’s stroke was a result of an acute clot that traveled from the heart to the brain’s left frontal lobe causing an obstruction. For sometime she had been struggling with an irregular heartbeat (Afib) that can potentially lead to a stroke, but we truly never imagined this would be our mother’s story. She is experiencing immobility of the right side of her body and loss of speech (Aphasia). Considering our inability to see her, we haven’t been able to assess how this event has truly affected her, for example, memory, mobility, and senses. We believe the small changes we’ve heard over the past couple days have already improved, that is going from a near-death state to walking 17 steps using parallel bars and responding in a few words.
On April 8, 2020, Mom was moved from the hospital to the Meyer Rehabilitation Center. Following the assessment of her current state, we were informed she would need acute inpatient care for a minimum of 25 days, till May 4th. Due to the Coronavirus, no one will be able to visit her onsite for the duration of this time. We were able to drop off clothes for her rehab, and we made sure to include anything with inspirational quotes to show support for her solo journey there. Over the past 3 days, we have been able to talk to mom on the phone and we are cheering her on, reassuring her how much she is loved, and how proud we are of her progress no matter how big or small. Her ability to find the right words to say what is on her mind is progressing each day. Hearing her cry over the phone and saying ‘I love you’ is what is fueling our hearts to do whatever we can to bring her home stronger than ever.
Before this tragedy, mom has been a jack-of-all-trades juggling the hats she wears as a Nurse, Teacher, Wife, Mom of 3, Grandma of 4, Aunt, Sister, Contractor, Hunter, Problem Solver, Entrepreneur, etc. even at the young age of 67. More than anything she loves the outdoors and is often fishing or camping with family. Mom has always had a loving yet very pragmatic attitude towards life in general, and if there is anything she has taught us it is that when ‘shit’ happens you solve the problem and move forward. I know that strength in her has often been a guiding light for our family, friends, and her patients. She truly is a special light in this world, and has cared for everyone above and beyond without expecting anything in return. She has been a leader in our family and we are doing our best fill her shoes so she can focus on her rehabilitation for what we expect to be months if not a year.
I have started this GoFundMe with my sister, Tori, to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with her medical expenses and not being able to work in her current position as a charge nurse. As far as we can tell, this includes healthcare expenses ($6,500 deductible already), mortgage, bills, etc. While her current employer is graciously holding her position for an extended period of time, we know she will have to rely on short term disability ($315 per week) if or when she is ready to return to work. This change to income is a substantial adjustment and our goal is to keep her from focusing on the bills so she can focus on her journey back to being herself while maintaining her health. Mom’s full recovery will be a long journey ahead, but we know her lifelong burning determination, wit, and love for life will bring her back to us.
We understand that the current state of our economy and social distancing has been tough for all, and our love goes out to everyone! We wish to thank all for your time, support, prayers, and any donation! Please check back often and we will share updates through Mom’s rehab and transition back home. Please feel free to share Linda’s story!
Linda suffered a stroke during the night at her home in Aldrich, MO. Our dad, Terry, found her in the morning unable to move or talk. Unable to identify when the trauma occurred or if it was over yet, an ambulance was called in from 45 minutes away. The ambulance took her to a nearby town where she was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield, MO. Unfortunately, due to the current state of the Coronavirus they didn’t allow anyone to go with her, which has ultimately made this the most difficult for her as well as our family and friends. I can’t express how crazy it feels to have our Mom suffer this trauma and not being able to see her or to physically support her through this most critical time.
After ICU care in the hospital, we were informed she had a moderate to severe Ischemic stroke. Mom’s stroke was a result of an acute clot that traveled from the heart to the brain’s left frontal lobe causing an obstruction. For sometime she had been struggling with an irregular heartbeat (Afib) that can potentially lead to a stroke, but we truly never imagined this would be our mother’s story. She is experiencing immobility of the right side of her body and loss of speech (Aphasia). Considering our inability to see her, we haven’t been able to assess how this event has truly affected her, for example, memory, mobility, and senses. We believe the small changes we’ve heard over the past couple days have already improved, that is going from a near-death state to walking 17 steps using parallel bars and responding in a few words.
On April 8, 2020, Mom was moved from the hospital to the Meyer Rehabilitation Center. Following the assessment of her current state, we were informed she would need acute inpatient care for a minimum of 25 days, till May 4th. Due to the Coronavirus, no one will be able to visit her onsite for the duration of this time. We were able to drop off clothes for her rehab, and we made sure to include anything with inspirational quotes to show support for her solo journey there. Over the past 3 days, we have been able to talk to mom on the phone and we are cheering her on, reassuring her how much she is loved, and how proud we are of her progress no matter how big or small. Her ability to find the right words to say what is on her mind is progressing each day. Hearing her cry over the phone and saying ‘I love you’ is what is fueling our hearts to do whatever we can to bring her home stronger than ever.
Before this tragedy, mom has been a jack-of-all-trades juggling the hats she wears as a Nurse, Teacher, Wife, Mom of 3, Grandma of 4, Aunt, Sister, Contractor, Hunter, Problem Solver, Entrepreneur, etc. even at the young age of 67. More than anything she loves the outdoors and is often fishing or camping with family. Mom has always had a loving yet very pragmatic attitude towards life in general, and if there is anything she has taught us it is that when ‘shit’ happens you solve the problem and move forward. I know that strength in her has often been a guiding light for our family, friends, and her patients. She truly is a special light in this world, and has cared for everyone above and beyond without expecting anything in return. She has been a leader in our family and we are doing our best fill her shoes so she can focus on her rehabilitation for what we expect to be months if not a year.
I have started this GoFundMe with my sister, Tori, to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with her medical expenses and not being able to work in her current position as a charge nurse. As far as we can tell, this includes healthcare expenses ($6,500 deductible already), mortgage, bills, etc. While her current employer is graciously holding her position for an extended period of time, we know she will have to rely on short term disability ($315 per week) if or when she is ready to return to work. This change to income is a substantial adjustment and our goal is to keep her from focusing on the bills so she can focus on her journey back to being herself while maintaining her health. Mom’s full recovery will be a long journey ahead, but we know her lifelong burning determination, wit, and love for life will bring her back to us.
We understand that the current state of our economy and social distancing has been tough for all, and our love goes out to everyone! We wish to thank all for your time, support, prayers, and any donation! Please check back often and we will share updates through Mom’s rehab and transition back home. Please feel free to share Linda’s story!
Fundraising team (2)
Tari Mock
Organizer
Aldrich, MO
Linda Mock
Beneficiary
Tori Mock
Team member