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Helen is a 33 year old high school math teacher who suffered a brain injury on August 7th, 2024. She suffered from a brain aenurysm and suddenly had the worst headache of her life on a typical night like any other. She went to the ER and was sent home after being told that it was just a headache and that nothing was wrong. Her discharge paperwork was then updated the next morning to note that one of her scans showed that she had a brain aenurysm that had ruptured and clotted. She eventually ended up in a neruo ICU where a decision was made to perform a surgery that was intended to reinforce the area and stop any additional damage from occuring. The surgery did not go as intended and the blood vessel being treated fully ruptured, leading to a massive brain bleed and immediate emergency brain surgery.
Since the initial failed surgery Helen has gone through a number of complications, including having a large portion of her skull removed and replaced, and then having the same piece removed and replaced again after an infection was found. Immediately post-surgery she spent about a month in the ICU, with much of that time spent on a respirator. She spent months with a trach and a feeding tube. She has battled seizures, pneumonia, blood clots and countless other difficulties.
Before the injury Helen was an independent, take-charge person that loved to help others. She taught math at a charter school in Camden, New Jersey and loved to read, play board games, and organize events for her friends and coworkers. She lives with her husband Steve and their two dogs, JoJo and Jester.
Following her injury Helen spent August 2024 through May 2025 in various hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. She was finally able to come home in May of 2025 and has been participating in home therapy and an outpatient therapy day program. Currently, Helen’s right leg is largely paralyzed and her right arm is fully paralyzed. The speech center of her brain was most impacted by the injury – Helen is able to understand things that are said to her but it is difficult for her respond with more than a single word. She is unable to read or write and her memory has been damaged. She struggles to remember what she has done in a day, and has lost significant memories, such as her wedding day.
In October 2025 Helen will transition out of her day program and progress to attending outpatient therapy. She will be recommended to attend physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy on a regular basis, likely for several years. Under her current private insurance there is coverage for a very limited number of sessions every year, with the remaining sessions needing to be paid out of pocket. These therapy sessions typically cost about $150 per session, meaning that each day of therapy that Helen attends outside of insurance coverage could cost $450. It is essential that Helen continues to go to therapy on a regular basis. Brain injuries are extremely hard to predict, but Helen has been told that it is realistic for her to hope to be able to walk again with continued work. Since her injury, therapy has helped Helen progress from being totally bed bound and uncommunicative to now being able to stand with help, transfer between beds and wheelchairs, and communicate her needs. Helen hopes that with continued work she can get back to going on walks with the dogs, get out to try new restaurants, and drag Steve on “fun” shopping trips.
As a secondary goal, Helen and Steve would like to be able to hire a home health aid to help Helen during the day. Currently Steve is caring for Helen full time alone, while also working remotely at his job as an engineer with the other hours in the day not dedicated to Helen. If funds allow for it, a home health aid would allow Steve to return to work in the office a day or two a week and give him a chance begin to take some time for himself again.
We are running this campaign because we have been turned away by many other organizations and we need our community’s help. Because Helen’s injury was caused by a surgery and not an accident she is diagnosed as having an “acquired” brain injury, not a “traumatic” brain injury. There are many organizations and foundations established to help people in exactly Helen’s condition, but they have all turned her away because she does not precisely meet the “traumatic” diagnosis. We need help to make sure that Helen can stay in therapy and continue on the right road to recovery – we deeply appreciate anything you can contribute.
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Dear Helen and Steve,
Both Tammy and I are here wishing you the best during your road to recovery~ We look forward to more updates, hearing about how much you have progressed, and seeing you smile through the process. We will continue to send prayers and happy and healthy spirits your way :)
Much Love,
Jeremy and Tammy
Jeremy Wang
Hoping for the best recovery
The Petroske Family
Petroske Family
You can do it Helen!! I believe and I am praying for you.
Anonymous
I hope you get better Ms.U, stay strong you got this !
jazmin b
Prayers ascending
R F
TTP
Mitchell Landsburg
Helen was a sweet and smart person. We went to high school together and we knew each other through student council. Helen carried a friendly attitude throughout, and I hope she is able to receive the kindness she’s always given out to those around her.
John Enrile
Any friend of Amos’ is a friend of mine. Sending big love to you all!!
Annie Clements
Sending strength and courage for your continued healing journey, Helen.
Fiona Newton
My cousin was in Moss Rehab…the very best care..after she suffered a brain aneurysm..Michele Wolfgang was her name. She was 15 years old, when she started having migraines, then her legs fell out from underneath her one day walking home from school, she was rushed to hospital and they found out she had an aneurysm that was bleeding. Magee did so very much for her and it was a long road if you have trust and stick with the therapy, you will have good results. E
Loretta Pollock
I'll be praying hard for you guys. Here's to a full and speedy recovery. MJ
Anonymous
Helen, Keep up the great work! Thinking of seeing you back in Hill freshman year of college to around campus during grad school-- brought a smile to my face then and still does now. You are so kind, smart, and genuine! Sending lots of love,
Julia D'Souza
Julia D'Souza
May your health continue to improve! Sending all healing wishes to you! ❤️
Lori Snyder
Donation on behalf of one of my favorite musician Amos Lee because he posted on IG to donate to this cause. TY!
Anonymous
If one must, one can and YOU WILL. Keep you head up!
Lots of love
Anonymous
We’re rooting for you!
Anonymous
Keep fighting Helen! After reading your story, I could not help but to cry, but I also felt compelled to share my story to help give you hope as you progress with your recovery.
My mother suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm 4 years ago and has greatly surpassed the doctor’s expectations with her recovery! You can too! The doctors initially expected her to be fully paralyzed, but today she is mobile in both arms and legs (her right side is a little impaired due to the aneurysm being located on the left side of her brain) and she is able to speak and have a conversations, despite mild/moderate aphasia. She still continues to improve 4 years later so don’t ever give up!
Anonymous
I wish you, your husband, and family the best on your journey to recovery Helen.
Thai Tran
#TTP
Mansur Rasul
May you be blessed with recovery and progress every day. And the Sixers getting past the second round.
Matt McCarroll
Helen, it's been a while since high school, but I remember how kind, smart, and patient you are! Sending you lots of love.
Liz Kaufman
I'm praying for you and your family!
Nathan Lindsey
I pray that u make it through these difficult times bc I can’t imagine the feelings you can be having ! I hope ur health can become better, u are very strong individual who made its
asia
I hope you make a full recovery Ms. U, you were adored as a wonderful math teacher sucks that I didn’t get the chance to have you.
chloe
Nothing but the best for Helen! TTP!
Garrett Goldberg
TTP
Sebastian Larrazabal
Down with TTP. Best wishes and much love
Anonymous
Prayers and support Helen!
Anonymous
TTP!
Dan Burkhart
Sending love and strength.
Melanie Sanders
TTP!
Anonymous
Keep on going Helen! Hope you continue to feel better every day. =D
Huy Nguyen
Hope and strength to you and your family, Helen!
(Ricky fam member)
Anonymous
Praying for you
Doris King
Get well soon. God bless you!
Jazmine King
Thinking of and praying for you and your recovery, Helen!
Valerie Miller
I hope for your recovery!
Nathaniel Le
TTP.
- Fiancée of a recent brain aneurysm survivor.
Anonymous
Helen- It's been a while since we've talked, and I was heartbroken to learn of your injury and the challenges you’re facing. Please know that my partner and I are keeping you in our thoughts and sending strength as you work through therapy and recovery. We admire your courage and resilience and hope that this contribution helps ease the burden in some small way. Wishing you and your family support, healing, and brighter days ahead.
Ann & Bryan Cheungvivatpant
TTP
Anonymous
Trust the process - RTRS
Ethan Shibutani
Helen, you are such a warrior. Thank you for your example of strength. You were always so kind in high school, and I\'m sure that spirit has grown ten fold since I\'ve last interacted with you. I am so sorry for what you are going through, but also incredibly inspired by you and your progress. Praying for you. Sending so much love.
Alessandra Edge
Although I have not seen or spoken to Helen in 15 years, I will always remember how she made everyone around her feel in high school. Such a sweet soul. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Anonymous
TTP
Anonymous
I’m praying for your full recovery!
Iman Ahmed
Sending best wishes from #Rickyfam <3 <3<3
Ryan Barwick
sending you both much much love!! and health and strength and all the good things
Isadora Duarte
Praying for Helen and your whole family.
Kris Kearns
TTP
Anonymous
Wishing a full recovery #rickycommunity
Kenneth Paul
Helen is always such a positive and reliable person, someone I looked up to in high school. Wish everything goes well!
Sendy Tran
TTP
Anonymous
TTP.
Anonymous
Helen,
Sending strength, healing vibes and Philly Btotherly Live!
Nadine
Nadine Cohen
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers- Steve introduced me to the Ricky community as a Drexel co-op at EwingCole, and always appreciated his kindness and generosity to a young engineer - it has stuck with me throughout my career. Hoping and praying for the best for you and your family.
Nick Maloney
Praying for your speedy recovery Helen!
Jazmine Brite
You are a wonderful couple. Sending nothing but love and best wishes to Helen with her recovery at home. Stay strong, L.L.
Lee Pavorsky
Helen, we've got your back.
Love,
Team Ricky
Spike Eskin
I wish the best for you and your family! I hope for a smooth recovery and that life gets better.
- Brian & Bella
Brian Engstrom
Helen,
I still remember when we first met in middle school. You were always so sweet, so smart, and always ready to help. I’ll never forget how much you supported me back then. Your kind and generous heart is something I’ve always admired.
I’m sending you a big hug and wishing you strength and healing in your recovery. You are so loved, Helen, and I’m grateful for the beautiful person you’ve always been.
Erica Pena
Helen, wishing you all the best and a smooth recovery process. Take care, sending loving thoughts and care to you and your family, including your husband and mom.
Nicole Xu
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way Helen. We’re rooting for you!
Alejandra Neyra
Helen, you are the kindest and most patient person I’ve ever met. You have made an impact to every person you’ve met! I pray you have a speedy recovery ❤️ please reach out if you need anything.
Lux N. Yoon
Go you Helen! Sending lots of love and care
Manusnan Harinsuit
Helen and our daughter, Maggie, roomed together in college, and I remember Helen as such a kind and smart person. Wishing all the best to her and Steve, that they get the support they need to ensure Helen continues to build on her progress and recovers fully.
Claire Buff
Praying for Helen\'s complete recovery. \"With God all things are possible. \"Matt. 19:26. Once Helen\'s spent several hours in my classroom answering all my questions about putting together a core 2 binder. She had no obligation to do so. Just a really kind person.
Theresa Selover
Thinking of Helen
Laura MacKinnon
Praying for healing for you and your family.
Anonymous
One time I mentioned to Helen how intricate the architecture was on a building I saw on our way to see her. Helen seemed really interested and I remember how nice it felt finally having someone care about one of my random topics. That just goes to show what a good person Helen is.
Best wishes,
Ben
Benjamin Martinez
Praying for a speedy recovery ❤️
Anonymous
Thinking of you, Helen
Haley Schools
Hi Helen and Steve! Helen, we met freshman year at Penn in Hill dorm and lived together the remaining years of college. You saw the best in everyone and made the most of every situation - always making us all smile over dinner! Michael and I are sending good wishes to you both.
Laura Sluyter
Helen, I am wishing you the best for your continued recovery. You may not remember our times together but when we were middle school students, we attending an enrichment program called Reach for Excellence in Atlanta. You were probably the smartest person in our cohort :), and we attended a college visit together to Yale through Questbridge. I will always remember you as a kind and supportive friend. If you ever want to see some old photos from back then don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay strong, Helen and Steve!
Christina Chandra
Ae and I hope you have a speedy recovery! ❤️
Chanat Aonbangkhen
Hey Helen! It's been so long since you helped lead the shoestring budget community service group at Penn where Ayla and I met (married now btw). Your desire to go out in the community and do good had a small but significant impact on many people including me. I wish you the best with your recovery as we think of you out here!
Jesse Schuschu
Sending you love and hope all the way from Gwinnett
Crystal Munoz
Helen and I were in a club together at Penn and she was always sweet and kind and funny. I have a lot of fond memories of her and I hope for the best for her recovery. ♥️
Ayla Taylor
Helen - we knew each other for a short, but memorable time at Penn GSE! I remember your optimism, intelligence and patience well while we were student teaching together. Thinking of you and your partner during your recovering - we are rooting for you in South Philly <3
June Freifelder
Go Helen!! I know you are a worker, so I know you are working hard at recovering everything you can. I am praying that over time you will be able to do everything you want to do!
Ruth DeFilippis
Helen, you have such a sweet spirit and have impacted so many - even with the smallest interactions. We are praying for your continued recovery and hope that one day soon, you can go on your “fun” shopping trips! Wishing you all the best.
Betty and William Tang
Helen was a wonderful mentor who helped me start out in my career as a teacher. She was always so supportive, bubbly, and kind. I hope and pray everything works out for her.
Sarah Wagner
Helen, we were classmates together at Penn, and you were always such a joy! So sweet, down to earth, and caring. I'm thinking of you, and sending good vibes your way on your recovery journey.
Rachel Weinberg
Wishing Helen strength and healing as she continues her recovery.
Cat Cantrell
Helen, you were always such a ray of sunshine through so many hard days back at college. I'm so sorry to hear about all that you're going through and wishing you the best on your recovery!
Sara Schonfeld
Very sorry to hear about this. Wishing Helen a speedy recovery. Sending lots of love and hugs.
-Angela and Jonathan
Angela Deng
Helen, this is Michael Webster who was in your cohort at GSE 10 years ago. I am praying for your continued recovery!
Michael Webster
Sending you many good wishes towards recovery. -Yelena (your classmate from GSE)
Yelena Shuster
We are praying for your recovery and healing. You are incredibly brave and strong.
Hafsa and Christopher Bradford
Sending lots of prayers and well wishes your way!
Shannon Sarkar
Praying for you Helen! Love Erik and Selena Nelson (Erik was in your GSE class!)
Selena Nelson
Sending you love and support Helen!
Alex Benitez
Rooting for you, Helen ❤️
Sarah McLaughlin
Truly a kind soul. I hope everything goes well for you.
Sari B
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Helen Bartal
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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