On May 27th, 25-year old Palmyra Romeo – an Asheville-based AmeriCorps intern at RiverLink, avid outdoors woman, talented bluegrass bass player, and an honors graduate of NC State University – unexpectedly had a seizure, lost her ability to speak, became paralyzed on her right side, lost consciousness and was rushed to Mission Hospital. An MRI revealed a ping-pong ball sized abscess on the left side of her brain. Since then, Palmyra has undergone two brain surgeries, and is making amazing progress. While a full recovery is expected, it will be a long road ahead.
Although Palmyra has minimal health benefits through AmeriCorps, the coverage is not sufficient to cover the astronomical cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and the need for ongoing care. Shortly after Palymra’s first surgery, she said:
I think it is very important that people know about the health care system… I want to see some benefit to others when catastrophe happens. To have all of that happen and to have to worry that you can’t even pay the bill, what are you going to do because you want to live? The opportunity to worry about your health and your care should be very separate from worrying about whether or not you can afford to get the care.
Palmyra needs our community’s support and financial help.
Join us for a benefit concert for Palmyra Sept 15 at the Grey Eagle. http://palmyrabenefit.org
