SUPPORT AMBER'S FIGHT

Hello, friends -

Amber was admitted to the ICU on June 23, 2023. Her primary diagnosis is Wernicke's Encephalopathy which severely affects the brain and neurological movements, responses and other tasks. She remained in the ICU for over 6 months until she was discharged on December 27, 2023. 

How? She had been facing health challenges for several months, with symptoms of relentless vomiting and inability to eat, likely due to what we now know as gastroparesis. Her condition worsened, and she collapsed, leading to hospitalization, being air-lifted to Macon, and subsequent treatment for septic shock. She later underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with a severe thiamine deficiency known as Wernicke's Encephalopathy (WE), which can be attributed to her prolonged malnutrition. (WE) causes issues with short term memory, balance, vision, eye tracking, neuropathy pain and more. She has all. 

Due to breathing complications, she had to be intubated and later a tracheostomy. She has made tremendous progress in this area and, as of the early part of 2024, has been weaned off of oxygen and later had the trach removed. However, while we have made huge progress here, she will likely need a ventilator at night indefinitely due to central apnea from this condition. We are also focusing on how to speak and swallow again through speech therapy. 

In addition to the respiratory and neurological issues, she has two tubes surgically placed in her abdomen. One to drain the stomach for gastroparesis and the other to allow formula and medicine into the intestines (bypassing the stomach). Formula is not covered by her insurance. 

Moreover, while she has gotten stronger each day, the road to recovery is long. Besides all of the above issues, she still experiences generalized weakness and debilitating foot drop and joint stiffness. We are unsure when she may be able to walk again, but are hopeful that physical therapy will prove beneficial. 

Family is at her bedside around the clock. I have resigned from my position at work to best be here for my sister during this unimaginable time. All around, there is emotional and financial strain on the family, and this financial goal does not even put a dent in her medical bills. Any funds raised will go towards healthcare needs and relieving financial burdens on the family otherwise.

If you are unable to support financially, we certainly understand. We ask that you share this fundraiser, lift her up in prayer, and send positive manifestations over her health. Her recovery is our biggest request, and with a large village, we know it can happen.

We thank all of you for your deep sympathy and any support you can provide.

With love,

The Hartley Family

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