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On January 9, 2017, life changed as I knew it. Prior to that date, I was a private duty LPN enjoying taking care of sick children, studying to become an RN, and was known around town for my unique crochet designs. Even though I’d been diagnosed with Lupus in 2008, I had adjusted and life was good. But, that all changed when out of the middle of nowhere, I suffered a massive stroke.
I can’t describe what I felt on that Monday evening when my mother found me on my bedroom floor where I later learned I had been for more than three hours, fighting for my life. I spent the next 52 days in the hospital which included an emergency craniotomy, and in March was sent home with part of my skull missing, paralyzed on my right side, partially blind in my right eye and extensive damage to the language and memory center of my brain leaving me with aphasia and unable to read and write. Thus, the lifelong rehab journey began.
Fast forward four and a half years and I’m progressing along. I’m walking with a cane, reading at a fifth grade level, and my vision and speech are gradually improving. However I’m still not able to use my right arm and hand.
In early 2020, my physical therapist told me about an orthotic device called the MyoPro that he felt could possibly restore functioning to my paralyzed right arm and hand. It would be designed specifically for me and would work by reading nerve signals from the surface of my skin thereby activating small motors to move my arm and hand. Excited, we began the long application process. After a virtual assessment by a clinician from the company that makes the MyoPro, I was a good candidate so the next step was to have my insurance approve it. The approval was denied by the insurance company. I appealed and in January of 2021, a judge sided with the insurance company.
The reason given for the denial was that the device was “experimental,” which made no sense to us since we had observed a patient in our home town being trained to use the device that was paid for by the insurance company. We also had documentation of several federal appeals where judges ruled in favor of the client, but none of that seemed to matter in our case. After four denials we felt we had been treated unfairly and left with no choice except to look for other ways to pay for the MyoPro.
My rehab journey hasn’t been easy but anyone who knows me, including doctors and therapists, know that I am determined to regain as much of my independence as possible. My goals are to resume doing things such as preparing my food, styling my hair, and other daily activities that most people take for granted; and to complete my RN and return to gainful employment in some capacity.
In 2019, due to right eye weakness, I failed the evaluation to get my driver’s license reinstated. Disappointed but not discouraged, at the suggestion of the vocational rehab therapist, I resumed crocheting with my non-dominant left hand and knee. I am not a quitter. I believe that the MyoPro brace will help me regain my independence so that I can in turn continue to help others. Your donation to Help Hope Live would bring me closer to making this a reality and would be greatly appreciated!
Family and friends of Mia Russell are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live (in honor of Mia)to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Mia has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share Mia’s page on your social media platforms. ASK ME HOW!!
For more information and to view the MyoPro please click the link here vimeo.com .
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
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You`re still in our prayers and praying you reach your goal.
Martin Yarbrough
Mia, I am making this additional donation because you took the time to send me a personal note of thanks. Your determination to overcome the effects of the stroke is inspirational. I pray you reach your goal and continue to bless those you encounter.
Katie Garner
My husband is a 2-time stroke survivor so your story really touched my heart. I hope you’re able to get everything you need. My prayers are with you!
Felicia Mayfield
I am so impressed with the willpower of Mia Russell, the spirit to overcome. I pray that she will raise enough funds for this prosthetic limb.
Anonymous
My mother is still recovering from her stroke. She works hard daily!
I know directly the challenges that you face when you have to learn how to do things you were once doing for yourself by yourself before the stroke. I know the challenges: mentally, physically & emotionally. I also know that we serve a God that can FIX what is broke & can RESTORE anything that has been impacted! God's blessings upon you! I love you.
Marquita Patterson
I love to crochet, but I can't imagine crocheting with one hand! I am so impressed! Wishing you a full recovery.
Laura Mackey
Me and my parents
Andre Ferguson
You’re such an inspiration!!! Love you❤️
Javonna Mckinnie
Mia, I am so proud of you and motivated by you as well! Stay positive!
Yolanda Tate
We are praying that you reach the donations needed to reach your goal. We will keep you in prayer,
Love Martin and Minnie
Martin Yarbrough
Keep pressing your way through Mia. May God continue to bless you.
Joyce Ross
Always praying for you Cousin. I’m so proud of you❤️
Kim Fair Coverson
Prayers and blessings upon you Mia! God will see you through!
Tanzy Reid-Pharms
Tanzy Pharms
My parents and I
Andre Ferguson
Continued prayers Mia!!!
Maranda Cox
Please support the cause
Artie Taylor
Prayers for you Mia! There’s a beauty in science and nursing and I’m excited for the day we get to celebrate you getting this life changing device! - Briana & Thomas Hamilton
Briana Hamilton
Your story continues to inspire me to always find gratitude for people, experiences and moments in my life. Thank you for sharing your story.
Jill Evans
Continue praying for you Mia
Angela Mathis
You’ve got this! ❤️
Brittany Rodgers
Continous prayers for you Mia
Felicia Guyton
May God continue to bless you on your rehab journey.
Melissa Whitaker
May God continue to bless your faith journey❤️
Cheryl Thorpe
I can't wait to see you with your new arm...May God continue to bless you...Love Nikki..."Bev's daughter ❤
Alinda Hennings
Praying that Mia will reach her goal
Anonymous
Praying for you
Ever Lee Yarbrough, Jr
Yaay Mia!!! You've got this!!!
Stephanie Ellis
I will give until we get!
Tonya Beasley
From Joyce Boddie and Harriet Martin.
Andre Ferguson
Hi Cousin.
We here in WI are hoping you reach your goal. Happy Holiday's
The Stinson Family
GARY STINSON
Mia, Stan and I are so proud of your accomplishments!
Carol Carnell
Mia, Praying for your success sending love and encouragement for you to continue your fight for independence. You will make this happen. Wishing you all the best! Friend of Kevin M.
Dione Stewart
Always striving for new heights!
Way to work toward personal success!!!
Arlene Martin-Norman
Love you Mia
Cierra Willis
We are praying for your recovery.
Minnie Yarbrough
Praying for you Mia! Stay strong and be encouraged. Daphney Shivers
Daphney Shivers
This donation is from Mrs. Lorraine Washington.
Tonya Beasley
May God bless you Mia and we love you♥️
Erica Harris
Bless your heart ❣️ Good luck sweetheart ♥️
Beverly Mccarley-Berryman
Facebook friends with Tonya
Geraldine Davis
May God bless you.
Jessie Agnew
God Bless and Stay strong and positive!
Carol Mesch
What beautiful way to help a beautiful woman (Mia) Giving God the Glory.
So proud of your faith and strength
Love Jacqueline ❤️❤️❤️
Jacqueline Pinager
You are truly an inspiration. Continue to be resilient and push forward ❤
Aishia Hibbler
I hope and pray for your success.
Michael Tate
Keep fighting Mia!!! You are indeed an inspiration ♥️♥️♥️ #myoldroomie
Shunterance Mcferren
Hello Mia, Glad to help support you. Get well soon. Thanks, Markee and Christi Tate
Markee Tate
Keep going forward Mia. Show em how it's done!
ANDREW BONDS
Keep fighting ! You got this ! Your favorite roomie is praying for you and wishing you nothing but the best ! Love Elicia
Elicia Phillips
Hope you get well
Ramil Bulatov
I can hardly wait to give you a hug when you finally get this device!!!
Lisa McBryde
Wishing you the very best as you tackle these tremendous challenges! Inspired by your positive attitude and your strength!
Cynthia Chandler-Snell
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Mia Russell
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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