Caitlin Fuetsch

Reno, NV

Southwest Catastrophic Illness Fund

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Please Help Support Caitlin As She Strives for Success

On the morning of October 27, 2008, my happy, high-achieving, independent, seemingly-healthy 25-year-old daughter, Caitlin, didn’t wake up. She had suffered a stroke in the middle of the night. Then, two weeks later, while resting from hospital morning therapy, she had a seizure and second stroke.

Before the strokes, Caitlin had earned her degree in biology and was gainfully employed in the medical field taking care of patients. Now, she is the patient, having suffered complete right side paralysis and the loss of her ability to communicate orally.

The best description of Caitlin’s recovery is slow and deliberate, powered by the amazing neuroplasticity of her brain and an immeasurable amount of dedicated hard work. Caitlin has participated in OT, PT, and Speech therapy for the last six years – as many hours as insurance would cover and all the therapies that I, her mother– her 24/7 caregiver, could afford. The journey of being physically and verbally handicapped created the need for many modifications and adjustments in Caitlin’s life. Home modifications for wheelchair accessibility, an adapted van for transportation, and assistive technology for communication have all been very costly. Caitlin has continued to be a contributing member of society through various endeavors, currently volunteering in pre-kindergarten classrooms for children with various developmental delays.

Caitlin is continuously working toward her goals of walking and talking again. She has been extremely motivated and successful with the exercise based rehabilitation program at SCI-FIT since January 2015. Unfortunately, this facility is a 260 mile round trip from home and the cost of the therapy is $100 per hour. Caitlin has gained physical strength, mobility, confidence and hope from these sessions. Currently, she attends a two hour session once a week but more hours each week would be beneficial. It is impossible for me to finance additional sessions while continuing to cover Caitlin’s other needs.

To help with the financial burden of Caitlin’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Catastrophic Illness Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW button.

Being differently abled presents more life challenges than one can imagine. There are many baby steps and successes that help to keep a smile on Caitlin’s face. Thank you for helping me help Caitlin.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kathy Fuetsch ([email protected])

August 8, 2017

I continue to work at improving my body movements, speech, and challenge myself by volunteering 4 mornings a week in a Pre-kindergarten classroom. In this classroom there are typically developing children as well as special needs preschoolers. It is a wonderful feeling to give back to the world in some capacity. ❤️

I have been working twice a week at a Club Pilates near my house and continuing to travel to Sacramento's SCI-FIT once a week.

My biggest highlight during the last three months has been spending a lot of time with my nephew Sam who is now 10 months old. He loves to sit in the wheelchair with me and go for rides! He also likes to use my wheelchair as a climbing device. He truly is a light in my life.

October 24, 2016

October 27th marks 8 years since Caitlin's first stroke at 25. She has been traveling her rehabilitation road for what seems like forever. It is just challenging everyday in many ways. We celebrate with joy as much as possible and persevere through the days that are filled with anger, frustration, and sadness.

Caitlin continues to work at staying physically strong at SCI-FIT, attending speech therapy sessions, integrative manual therapy sessions, volunteering four morning a week at Sarah Winnemucca Elementary School, and researching places to see across the United States. Two new additions to Caitlin's life are a precious nephew, Sam and a year old rescue dog, Xena.

With much love, many hugs, and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have helped us along this journey! ❤️