Hi friends, family, and kind strangers,
Let me start by saying, it was a very difficult decision to create this.
On the night of June 1, I experienced a traumatic fall at my home that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. I fell backward from the outside steps at my home, landing on the driveway and struck my head very hard. I was rushed by ambulance to Day Kimball Hospital. A CT scan was done, and within a half hour, Jefferson Radiology called the ER doctor, advising of a significant brain/skull injury. I was then life-flighted to UMass, where I spent several days — including time in the Trauma ICU and neuroscience floor — receiving intensive care and neurological monitoring. I remained at UMass until June 7, then was transferred to inpatient acute rehab (and remain at this time).
My diagnoses include (TBI):
• Epidural hematoma along the right occipital lobe (serious type of brain bleed)
• Occipital fracture (right side) (fracture of the skull near the back of the head)
• Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space around the brain)
• Concussion
• Right leg/knee immobility, which was present prior to the fall, but the fall significantly set back my recovery from Lyme-related knee damage.
Ongoing symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Ear pressure
• Cognitive and physical delays
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional liability (easily overwhelmed/ tearful / grief of missed events/people)
• Overstimulation from sound and light
• Tailbone/back/hip pain due to bone bruising
• Fatigue and memory challenges; word struggle
• Right knee instability – continued weakness, swelling, and limited function from prior Lyme-related damage and surgery
I am truly lucky to be alive — and deeply grateful the injuries weren’t even worse.
At inpatient rehab, I’m receiving hours of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, including work on memory recall, balance, and daily life skills, daily. It’s uncertain when I will be discharged to home, but I will need continued outpatient therapy and living modifications at that time.
I currently rely on a walker and wheelchair, cannot drive, and I’m unable to return to work. Screen sensitivity and cognitive symptoms make even light mental activities feel impossible right now.
This fall happened while I was still in recovery from Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis, including recent knee surgeries. I had just returned to using crutches when I fell. Now, my right leg and knee remain swollen and bent, with little strength, and my progress has been set back significantly — both physically and emotionally.
My daughters witnessed the fall, and the next day — June 2 — was my daughter Loretta’s 15th birthday. Her party the following weekend was canceled.
My family has carried this in ways I wish they didn’t have to. Although I fear they blame themselves, I don’t blame them. If anything, I blame myself, the crutches, the stairs — which are getting outdoor railings! (And…blame Lyme!)
I hate asking for help — it’s not who I am. But many kind people have reached out asking how they can support me and my family, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Since the fall, while it’s only been a few weeks — it’s felt like forever. I’ve missed so much — my daughters’ softball games, awards nights, family time at home, and the everyday joys (and even the chores) of being a mom and wife. I haven’t been to “my” gym since November, haven’t walked my dogs, and haven’t been present for all the little (and big) moments that matter most.
As Chair of the Board of Education, it has also been heartbreaking to miss middle and high school graduations, school events, and meetings. This work connects me to the community, and it’s difficult to be absent from it.
Beyond the physical toll, this injury has affected my spirit and mental health deeply. Counseling is recommended to help process the trauma and grief of these changes.
Insurance will only cover 25 combined physical and occupational therapy visits per year, which I’ve already exhausted. This means my family faces expenses for the therapies, nursing care, and recommended modifications I’ll require.
Why I’m Asking for Help
This has been physically and emotionally overwhelming. I’ve missed extended time from work since November due to Lyme illness, surgery, and now this unexpected injury. I’m working hard toward recovery, but many essential supports are not fully covered by insurance.
I’m committed to recovery and hold onto hope every day — I want to run the half marathon I was training for last November. More than that, I want my normal life back — not just for me, but for my daughters. This experience has reminded me how precious time is and how quickly everything can change.
To those who’ve checked in — thank you. At this stage, even visits are difficult due to overstimulation from sound and visual input, common with brain trauma.
I have not shared my rehab location widely, mostly because I’ve been overwhelmed, tired easily, and am very self-conscious. But your support — in messages, prayers, and check-ins — is appreciated.
Going forward, some of the things donations may support:
• Continued PT, OT, skilled nursing, memory and speech therapy, as in-home services are recommended, and eventually as outpatient.
• Counseling to process trauma and grief
• Neurology follow-ups and brain imaging
• Home modifications and safety upgrades
• Support for lost income
• Medical co-pays and co-insurance
• Medical appliances and mobility aids
• Support for my children/family and household during this transition
• Ongoing recovery needs as I work to regain strength and independence
This fundraiser will help lift the financial burden on my family, so we can focus on healing — body, mind, and heart.
Whether you’re able to give, share, or simply pray – for my healing, for my husband and daughters, and for patience and strength as we walk this uncertain road and the unknown steps ahead.
I am so grateful to be alive — and I believe that with faith, love, and your continued support, I’ll make it through this.
I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time to care.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love and support.
With love and humility,
Susan
