Go Margo Go

Dear Friends:

I am writing to provide you with an update on Margo’s situation.

My daughter, Margo, was involved in a devastating, life-changing car accident in the early hours of December 3, 2010. Her injuries were so severe and her condition so grave that police who arrived on scene treated Margo’s situation as a potential homicide.

Amazingly; however, due to Margo’s amazing guts, determination, and sheer strength, she survived. Further, through her hard work and many hours of suffering and pain, she endured two months in intensive care and rehabilitation.

Although Margo is still alive today, her life will never be the same. As a result of this incident, she suffered complete paralysis, and will be quadriplegic and wheel-chair bound for the rest of her life, with only limited movement of her upper extremities. Despite many, many months of therapy, which have helped her regain some function, today, she is still unable to control many of her internal organs, including her bowels and bladder. She is also unable to perform most basic human functions, including for example, brushing her own teeth or washing her own face and hands. The amazing turn of events for my 20 year old daughter, who was previously a world-class ballerina who dreamed of one day becoming a veterinarian, has been tragic.

The fact that Margo survived is a miracle; however, the rest of Margo’s future remains uncertain. She continues with daily therapies including physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, peer group activities, and psychiatric evaluations, among others. Every day, we drive Margo almost two (2) hours in either direction to West Palm Beach so that she can attend specialized therapy, which will hopefully enable her to have some more function in the future. We continue to hope and pray for her success.

The key to Margo’s hopeful progress is daily rehabilitation and therapy. Therapy, such as the kind she is currently receiving, is absolutely crucial to her hopefully regaining further movement.

But, such therapy is extremely expensive and, simply put; we can no longer afford it. Presently, we are paying all of the money we saved from a previous fundraiser to pay for therapy, at a rate of more than $3,000 per month. At our current rate, I anticipate that we will run out of money in the next 1-2 months. I am no longer working, having quit my job to take care of Margo both day and night for the foreseeable future. I was happy to do it and I love my daughter, but unfortunately, this doesn’t pay for therapy, or even our basic electric and food bills.

Before asking you to reach into your pockets again and help us, which is truly what we need, I want to make sure you all understand how much we appreciate all of those people who have already contributed to our cause, in terms of money, donations, or simply by giving us their time. Through your efforts we were able to modify a portion of our tiny home to make the bathroom wheel-chair accessible. Margo also now has a motor-driven wheelchair and a van equipped with a ramp that makes getting to and from appointments that much more tolerable, while in a small way making her quality of life better.

I love my daughter and my two other children, including Margo’s twin sister, Flora, and Michael, who help Margo and me as much as they can. But, it is simply not enough.

We need your help and as many donations as you can possibly spare, as soon as possible. Without your donations, we may not make it past this summer. And, I can not stress that fact enough!

As a mother, and my daughter’s primary caregiver, I would ask that you please consider Margo again in your charitable donations. No matter how large or small the contribution, your financial assistance is crucial for Margo’s hopeful recovery and our survival. I have opened a Trust account dedicated solely and exclusively for Margo’s benefit. If you are interested in donating, you can either use PayPal (address your email: margorecoverytrust@gmail.com) or write a check: to Margo Recovery Trust, and mail it to 2907 Virginia St., Miami, FL 33133.

I would also like to work during this time; however, finding employment for a stay at home caregiver is very difficult. Thus, if you or someone you know is aware of a position involving telemarketing, sales, or any other employment that I could perform from my home, while also dedicating the time I need to help care for my daughter, I would be forever grateful.

And, if you are unable to do any of the above, please do include Margo in your prayers, since prayer is a powerful force.

Thank you again for all your love and continuing support,

Isabelle