Introduction
Hi, I am Maria
Matthews and I want to take this opportunity to thank you very much for
supporting my mom during her rehabilitation process. She went
from being a super high energy independent senior to homebound now living
with me. Because of her health condition and the physical state
of her home, she will never be able to live at her permanent residency
again. The waiting lists for low-income senior apartments in the
area are 1-3 years. The doctors have indicated that she has less
than a 50% chance of living even five years with this condition.
My goal is to help her to enjoy her days in comfort. I thank you sincerely
for your financial contributions and donations to alleviate the financial
pressures this responsibility has placed on me as a small business owner
in our community.
What Happened
On Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008, Ruthie Matthews was rushed to the hospital via ambulance for emergency treatment due to breathing difficulty. Unfortunately, she received a diagnosis that would change her life forever. With a blood pressure reading of over 200, sugar levels exceeding 200, excessive fluid throughout the body, and a heart function of 10%, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. She endured rigorous testing and fluid drainage from her body for 11 days straight. The final conclusion was that she would need a pacemaker and defibulator for her heart, which is so very weak to the point where her heart muscles do not even contract and the heart beat is irregular. These abnormalities cause the heart to overflow with blood backfilling into the lungs and throughout the body causing the lungs to flood and the body to swell. She went from a size 12/14 to 5/6. She went home under 24 hour supervision and a very strict low sodium, low sugar, low fat diet. Literally every meat has to be weighed and every piece of fruit counted. She is undergoing extensive occupational and physical therapy to learn how to manage not lifting above her head or lifting 5 pounds or more.I am her caregiver and have
to secure three meals for her daily, tend to her bathing needs, and
pay for in home private duty watch care in order to work my business.
She is on such a strict diet that if she gains 2 pounds in a day or
5 or more pounds in the week, she will be returned to the hospital.
Please keep her in your prayers that the Lord will heal her body and
that until her change comes, that she will continue to hold on.
Optimistically and Humbly Submitted, Maria Matthews
How You Can Help
Welcome Home SURPRISE Event
Please RSVP at 313-595-9389 by
During the event, all gifts collected will be presented to her.
- Cash donations to cover
- patient care, in-home private duty, living exp
Cash Donations of any size can be sent to Maria Matthews, in the memo line, Ruthie Matthews at 25196 Independence Trail, Warren, MI 48089.
The following is a list of items that will be extremely beneficial:
- Items to Donate
- Clothes size 5/6 Shoe Size 8 ½ Bra Size 36B Button Up Shirts/Blouses- Medium Pants with Elastic Waist- Medium Panties- Size 6
- Socks with GRIP bottoms size 9-11
- Encouragement/entertainment
/educational resources - Uplifting motivational CDS Gospel CDS Inspirational movies Crossword puzzles Books with accompanying CDS to read along
- Recipe books on diabetes, hypertension/ high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low calorie (1500-1800 diets)
- Gift Cards for Toiletries, Prescriptions, Food
- Wal-Mart Meijer Walgreens Kroger Whole Foods Vitamin Shoppe Eastern Market in Detroit MI TGI Fridays (Favorite Restaurant with Healthy Heart menus)
- Any restaurant with specified healthy heart, low carb, low fat, and/or low sodium menus.
A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER
By
Maria Matthews
To My Best Friend, Ruthie Matthews
So today I’ve come to celebrate you as the greatest Mom in town.
You’ve raised your children on your own and tried your very best.
You’ve been afflicted in your body, now homebound, and on bed rest.
My friends have rallied in your favor to help you during recovery.
We believe God for your healing and know that He has covered thee.
We know the doctor’s reports weren’t good and your lifestyle now must change
But it’s okay. I will walk with you for all of your remaining days.
Pretty soon you will see gifts to show that we really care.
No matter how hard it gets sometimes, God’s angels will always be there.
