Support Staci's Journey to Recovery

It’s hard to summarize someone like Staci in just a few words, given that she is so many things to so many of us. Whether you know her as a friend, partner, family (blood or otherwise!), favorite stylist, female powerhouse or Downtown trailblazer, it's safe to say that we have all been graced with Staci’s big heart, warm smile and friendly ear. It’s that very sentiment and resilient personality we have to thank for the fact that Staci is still with us today.

At the end of August 2024, just a few days shy of her birthday, Staci experienced a very serious medical emergency that required her to be rushed to the hospital. Within a few hours, she was diagnosed with a Type A aortic dissection requiring emergency surgery. Frankly, the odds of her surviving surgery -- or the 48 hours that followed -- were not in her favor. Nevertheless, after twelve hours being in the operating room not once, but twice due to hemorrhaging complications, our lady luck came out on the other side to begin what has been -- and will continue to be -- a lengthy journey of healing.

Three days later, on her birthday, Staci woke up to be greeted with the familiar (and relieved) faces of family. She ultimately spent twelve days in the SICU and a week in intermediate care before being discharged to an acute rehab facility. While her surgery was a success, Staci suffered a stroke and kidney failure, the latter as a result of her significant blood loss during the operation(s). It also was later discovered that Staci’s heart had really borne the brunt of the procedures - ultimately leading to heart failure. This cocktail of complications required Staci to be on dialysis three times a week for four months, be readmitted to the hospital on two occasions and has prevented her from returning to work as Globe Salon’s Founding Stylist and Director.

But Staci’s not a woman who is defined by diagnoses. She is a survivor. Today, she continues to defy the odds by making daily improvements toward a certain, albeit different, future. Among other things, Staci is working to rebuild her heart function so that she can travel to USC for a second procedure, which will involve a more nuanced, endoscopic repair of her aorta to avoid future dissection. She is also continuing weekly physical, cardio and occupational rehab to regain her strength, confidence and autonomy.

To say that the past five months have been a challenge for Staci -- who, despite her circumstances, is still the vibrant woman we all know and love -- would be an understatement. This campaign is intended to provide her with the much-needed peace of mind and freedom to focus on her recovery. Your generous donations will assist with covering medical bills, ongoing treatment and the support Staci needs to get back on her feet, back at the salon and back into the daily lives of so many of you (all of whom she misses greatly). Our hearts and sincere thanks are extended to each and every one of you.