Support Natalie's Recovery After Stroke in London

Hi, my name is Scarlett, and this is my beautifully whimsical sister, Natalie, who lives in Los Angeles. Over the last several months, Natalie meticulously saved, planned, and curated a trip-of-a-lifetime for her and our mother, Janell. They were very much looking forward to spending this time together.

The long-awaited, highly anticipated journey to embrace, explore, and learn more about our family ancestry in the United Kingdom started the first week of October 2024.

This trip began like any other as they toured around England visiting places of significance to our family. They took fun-filled photos, exchanged stories, chatted and laughed, making memories they would never forget. Grateful for this time together, Natalie and my mother were preparing for their trip to come to an end. Their last stop was London, and they planned to enjoy the city for a few days before flying home. They were not prepared for what happened next.

On October 14, 2024, while out shopping in London, Natalie suffered a massive stroke, at 42 years old. She was immediately transported by ambulance to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery for critical care. She experienced a brain bleed, which led to increased intracranial pressure. She fell unconscious and they took her for an emergency craniotomy, cutting into her skull and evacuating the blood clot in order to alleviate the pressure being placed on her brain, thus saving her life. The stroke has affected her memory and ability to speak. The first few days had many unknowns as Natalie underwent several tests and procedures, leaving our family and friends with so many worries and questions.

I wanted to start this page to help raise money for the unforeseen medical costs incurred abroad and to alleviate some of the pressure and stress my mom is facing while staying with my sister. My mom is alone, without friends or family, and unfamiliar with London. She is in need of financial assistance with meals and accommodations as she visits Natalie every day in the hospital to provide love, support, strength and encouragement until Natalie is medically cleared and ready to come home. We are not certain how long that will be at this time, but it will be at least another month.

In just over a week, Natalie has made significant progress but is not out of the woods just yet. She will have a long road to recovery. Natalie will be unable to work for some time—several weeks to months—until more is known about her prognosis. She may require specialized medical transport from London to Los Angeles, along with additional tests, medical specialists visits and treatment, rehabilitation, medication, etc. once back home.

Any help, little or big, would be greatly appreciated. Natalie has two gorgeous cats, Marzipan and Lolli, who she worries about every day. She also has an apartment she loves, a caring community of friends and chosen family, and a job she enjoys. She is determined to return home to her life in LA.

I would like to thank every single person who has shared, donated, and offered help in every other way. This means the world to Natalie, her cats, her friends and colleagues, and all of our family ♥️♥️♥️♥️