I am Jo "Joy" Long, 51 year old christian mom of 4, disabled over 4 years from osteoporosis requiring both of my hips & both knees to be replaced ASAP.

My immediate need arises because, I am at this moment, in Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas having a Heart Attack.

I had contracted the Flu 2 weeks ago around May 7th while caring for a sick roommate. I believed after one week my health was returning. After 2 days of resuming normal activities it appeared that instead the infection had gone deeper inside of my body, so I visted the ER Wednesday and was told I had developed bronchitis, sinusitis and conjunctivitis.

I had not been sick like this in over 25 years. Though I had had asthma as a kid, I had not had a nebulizer in my home for over 12 years. I was given a breathing treatment, steriods and antibiotics & fluids in the ER & sent home with prescriptions for additional steriods, antibiotics, an inhaler & a recommendation for antihistimine eye drops & a warm mist vaporizer.

Because I've not had much income these past 4 years, sometimes even without housing or food, I turned to my church for assistance to obtain the needed medications. They graciously assisted me.  I believed I would be fully functioning in 72 hours, which was the prognosis given to me in writing by the hospital.  However each passing day saw me getting much worse, with no improvement at all. 

I returned to the ER Saturday despite having no insurance, as I was in the middle of a forty-five minute coughing fit and could not catch my breathe. I thought it may be turning to pneumonia & was completely unprepared for the next words I heard:

"Ms. Long you are experiencing a heart attack!"

I was sure they had me confused with someone else. The doctor assurred me I had made the very best decision by returning. The hospial was completely full so I spent over 24 hours in the ER until they found me a bed on the cardiac unit. At some point today they will squeeze me in their schedule for the heart catherization & possible stent placement. I realize I am completely blessed to be where I am as this heart attack is occurring.

I am also still in shock & haven't slept at all the past 2 nights, so  I'm very exhausted, please forgive my typos! I had just been in the process of obtaining a part time job while waiting on a disability decision, but have been told I will not be able to continue due to my frail health.

At this point I am asking primarily for assistance with the immediate funds required in obtaing necessary items to immediately obtain the medication & recovery staples I will need after the catheterization. They made it clear I MUST put things like Medicine, electric, bandages, transportation, above all else while I attempt to set up ongoing health support with a primary physician and a cardiologist for the next 12 months at the very least. I am working with a social worker to locate other resources for uninsured patients like me. 

Prayers, positive energy sent my way, & sharing my story are equally important to monetary assistance & all/any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED! 

I am just another struggling human being, woman, daughter, sister & mother hit out of the blue, praying that God will grant me additional time & strength after today. to continue to serve Him, share the love & continue searching for my 4 missing children who were taken by my ex husband 11 years ago, along with my vehicles, homes & businesses. 

I appreciate your time in listening, all those who have followed my struggles & then some, these past 8-11 years, & encouraged me to keep the faith & try this fundraising option. I will keep you updated. Be blessed, kind & awesome!

~ Yours,

Jo "Joy" Long