Support Donna's Fight for Joy's Recovery

I believe there are angels among us and one of them is named Donna. My name is Gayle, and I am the sister of a woman who has an angel by her side but is needing help.

My sister, Joy, (pictured) was hospitalized over a month ago with severe abdominal issues and infections. It was a huge battle trying to get it under control. Her battle continues. My sister was unable to eat for weeks, lost motor function, and cannot do anything unassisted. Four days ago, she was transferred to a deplorable nursing home as it was the only one Tricare would pay for. Her decline, it seems, is accelerating because of where she is at and I fear for her.

Through it all, Donna, who was married to my brother years ago, has been there through thick and thin for Joy then even though she’s technically not a member of the family anymore. Transcending that technicality, Donna has stood toe to toe with doctors, nurses, and medical staff demanding closer scrutiny of Joy’s mysterious decline.

Every minute she is not overseeing her own company, she is burning up the road back-and-forth to the hospital, spending countless hours on the phone looking for answers and medical/services support and spending all she can afford to provide my sister with what she needs.

Now Donna is having to do battle with the nursing home to get them to even provide the most basic of care for my sister. She had to ride them to get them to even bathe her! She is currently pursuing other avenues of assistance to get Joy moved so she has a better chance for survival and have a caring staff that will actually work to bring my sister back mentally and physically.

I have zero uncertainty substandard care pushed my sister on the road to what I fear will be difficult to come back from if at all. Unfortunately, those of us who are more than willing to race to her side do not have the means or ability to do so. Being on the other side of the country places distance and financial barriers to being there.

In your kindness, please help our sweet Donna in her endeavors to care for my sister. Expenses such as gas, food, and items needed to make my sister more comfortable are really stacking up and she cannot continue to bear this burden unaided. My sister’s recovery is turning into a long-term nightmare.

Donna truly is an angel among us and if you can contribute toward hers and Joy’s expenses we would be eternally grateful. If you are unable, your prayers would be appreciated!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Gayle Whitfield