Susan Zimmerman Needs Brain Surgery Soon
Donation protected
My name is Shirley Roberts and I want to tell you about my friend Susan Zimmerman. Susan must soon travel from Medford to Portland for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. This is intended to mitigate the effects of Dystonia, a long-term neurological disorder. This surgery cannot be delayed much beyond early April, as her health is deteriorating.
Insurance covers medical costs, but more help is needed as Susan must remain in the Portland area for at least two weeks, possibly longer, post-surgery. Funds we raise will be used for travel and lodging expenses for Susan and her caregiver, so they can stay near the hospital for follow-up medical appointments.
In Susan’s own words:
"For the past 30 years, I have lived with the daily challenges of a disabling neuro-muscular disorder called Dystonia. A year ago, I reached the point that Deep Brain Surgery was offered as a treatment of last resort so I could continue to see, swallow and move. I had this surgery on January 31, 2020 and experienced immediate improvement from the electrodes implanted in my brain and the battery pack in my chest. Sadly, I developed a brain infection and all installed components had to be removed only two weeks later. I returned home to recover and prepare to try again, that surgery planned for the summer of 2020.
Enter the Covid Pandemic, and the surgery was postponed indefinitely.
It has now been more than a year since my first surgery, and I have physically deteriorated a lot while waiting. Recently, I completed my Covid vaccination and my brain surgeon says it is urgent that we proceed with surgery as soon as possible. I have a tentative surgery date for early April. Insurance will cover the surgery and hospitalization. However, after surgery I cannot travel and will need to remain close to the hospital for two weeks or more, for post-op observation removal of the stitches, and stimulator programming. If I delay surgery until I can accumulate sufficient funds on my own, my health may deteriorate to the point where surgery would no longer be possible. Your help will provide me the opportunity to have this surgery soon, to improve sight, swallowing and function and for a life-saving chance to be freed from disability. Thank you for your time and consideration, it means much more to me than words can express."
Please help my friend Susan so she can afford to get this surgery, and also send good wishes that she can return home feeling better and enjoy her life. Thank you all so much!
Insurance covers medical costs, but more help is needed as Susan must remain in the Portland area for at least two weeks, possibly longer, post-surgery. Funds we raise will be used for travel and lodging expenses for Susan and her caregiver, so they can stay near the hospital for follow-up medical appointments.
In Susan’s own words:
"For the past 30 years, I have lived with the daily challenges of a disabling neuro-muscular disorder called Dystonia. A year ago, I reached the point that Deep Brain Surgery was offered as a treatment of last resort so I could continue to see, swallow and move. I had this surgery on January 31, 2020 and experienced immediate improvement from the electrodes implanted in my brain and the battery pack in my chest. Sadly, I developed a brain infection and all installed components had to be removed only two weeks later. I returned home to recover and prepare to try again, that surgery planned for the summer of 2020.
Enter the Covid Pandemic, and the surgery was postponed indefinitely.
It has now been more than a year since my first surgery, and I have physically deteriorated a lot while waiting. Recently, I completed my Covid vaccination and my brain surgeon says it is urgent that we proceed with surgery as soon as possible. I have a tentative surgery date for early April. Insurance will cover the surgery and hospitalization. However, after surgery I cannot travel and will need to remain close to the hospital for two weeks or more, for post-op observation removal of the stitches, and stimulator programming. If I delay surgery until I can accumulate sufficient funds on my own, my health may deteriorate to the point where surgery would no longer be possible. Your help will provide me the opportunity to have this surgery soon, to improve sight, swallowing and function and for a life-saving chance to be freed from disability. Thank you for your time and consideration, it means much more to me than words can express."
Please help my friend Susan so she can afford to get this surgery, and also send good wishes that she can return home feeling better and enjoy her life. Thank you all so much!
Organizer and beneficiary
Shirley Roberts
Organizer
Medford, OR
Susan Zimmerman
Beneficiary