Fund Raising For Naomi

Naomi Brookes is a 25 year-old lady who has dedicated her life to helping others. As an Occupational Therapist, she works with people affected by mental, physical, and social disabilities and helps them learn to independently carry out everyday tasks or occupations. Naomi's effect on her patients has been profound, as evidenced by the many gifts and notes they have left her with love.

Now it is Naomi who needs our help. At age 22, Naomi was diagnosed with dilated cardiopulmonary, which translates literally to "heart muscle disease." Though she lived for many years without experiencing symptoms, this past Thanksgiving, Naomi began to feel worse than usual. After a week's stay at medical center, she found herself back in the hospital once again. This time, Naomi had regressed into end-stage heart failure. Her doctors decided to perform surgery, implanting a pacemaker (for her irregular heart rate) and a defibrillator (as she is prone to fatal heart rhythms). Though she was feeling better shortly after her surgery, it didn't last very long and she was admitted back to the hospital.

This time around, things are as serious as ever. Naomi's doctors will be performing open-heart surgery to implant a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). This device will help pump blood from the left ventricle of her heart to the rest of her body. A control unit and battery pack are worn outside the body and are connected to the LVAD through a port in her skin. In addition to her LVAD surgery, due to the seriousness of her condition, Emina is also awaiting a heart transplant.

This is where we need your help. In addition to the tremendous cost of this surgery the average cost of surgery and post-op care is around 250,000 dollars -Naomi has not been able to work since her initial visit to the hospital. After her LVAD surgery, she will continue to be unable to work for the foreseeable future. While Naomi herself would never ask anyone for a dime, we and her family are asking for your help. We hope to gain your support and help in alleviating financial strain to allow Naomi the time to recover and focus on her health. Naomi's sister, will keep this page updated with Naomi's progress as she recovers from LVAD surgery. In the meantime, we ask that you continue to keep Naomi in your thoughts and to send any sort of positive energy or prayers her way. Please help Naomi in donating for her fund raising, nothing is too small to change life positively.

Please help Naomi!