Mandolin’s Traumatic Brain Injury Support Fund

Product Description

United States

Supporters

I really wish I was writing with better news. When people we love are suffering, we offer our help, and hope that they get better. The truth is that traumatic brain injuries are evil – they are an injury that is hidden from others, but very much real for the afflicted. They wreak havoc on lives – they are hard to explain, hard to understand, and even harder to recover from. I am here to do my best to provide Mandolin’s loving community with an update on her health condition and everyday life, following a conversation we had recently.

For those who prefer me to get to the point, see below for the ‘ask’ (with more details after – brevity has never been my strength…)

BACKGROUND

It has been nearly 1-year since Mandolin’s accident when she suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing with her nieces. She was initially misdiagnosed by the ER, but in July she was properly diagnosed with brain bleeding, blood clots, and a stroke. She slowly started to heal, but then, in January she got COVID. Since then, her health has deteriorated again. Most days she is unable to get out of bed due to the all encompassing pain. When we spoke on the phone she needed to hang up to vomit, because getting out of bed to get her phone was too much…

CURRENT HEALTH CONDITION

Mandolin is living in Maine with her partner, Ryan. Mandolin suffers from daily migraines, nausea, and vomiting. Her condition makes it very challenging for her to take care of herself and needs a lot of help on a daily basis. Mandolin has a referral to a neurologist in Maine, but she cannot get in to see a nurse practitioner until September. In the meantime, she will see an ENT to check her inner ear to see if she is possibly suffering from vertigo as well. She then has her next scan scheduled for June to check to see if the brain bleeding has healed.

The honest truth is that Mandolin should be in an assisted living facility to receive the care and support that she needs. But the environment is harsh for someone healing from a TBI (bright lights, lots of activity, and loud noises), not to mention the cost is incomprehensible. Mandolin has managed to get admitted to an out-patient program two days a week with MCIR (Maine Center for Integrated Rehab), as they specialize in TBI recovery. She will be doing speech therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy. The biggest goal is to find ways to have more independence caring for herself and be able to spend 8 hours at home on her own.

Exceptionally healthy, anti-inflammatory, nurshing meals are an important and necessary part of Mandolin’s healing (and doctor recommended). Mandolin is blessed to have been connected with a healing food chef who prepares organic, plant based meals for her each week for $150, which has been a great help to ensure she eats healthy and often (if she doesn’t eat every two hours, she vomits).

At this point, western medicine is not working for her, so no surprise that she is exploring the gamut of alternative healing practices, like acupuncture.

Mandolin has applied for disability, but the process is long – 6 to 8 months at least, and she is unsure when it will come through. Doctors have told her she has at least another year of healing and her ability to work again is up in the air and known.

CLOSING

This past year has been painful, terrifying, and draining for Mandolin. After writing the initial post last July when Mandolin learned of her full diagnosis, we all hoped that sending money, meals, doctor recommendations, good vibes, and prayers would be enough. But TBI’s are just damn brutal and Mandolin is far from recovered.The goal right now is to get her to a place where she can 100% focus on her physical and mental recovery, and not be burdened with how she will survive financially. Anything you can donate now, or on a monthly basis would be greatly appreciated.

What happened to Mandolin:

In May of this year, Mandolin was in Maine playing with her nieces when she hit her head on a doorframe. She visited the ER and was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and was sent home to recover with limited activity and rest.

Fast forward to July in San Diego, Mandolin’s symptoms from her TBI did not improve, and in fact, they grew worse. Suffering from chronic migraines, vomiting, and overall weakness Mandolin visited the ER and learned her full diagnosis. In addition to a TBI, Mandolin had bleeding on her brain and a cervical artery dissection.

This diagnosis is much more serious. In addition to bleeding on her brain, the cervical artery dissection can be life-threatening – a blood clot that has formed in the artery in her neck has a high probability of causing a stroke.

Mandolin is in the process of finding two specialists (a neurologist and a vascular surgeon) to determine her treatment path, which most likely will involve surgery. If untreated, this blood clot can cause long-term brain damage.

Where Mandolin is today:

Since her original injury, Mandolin has been unable to work – TBI’s not only require rest of the body, but more importantly rest of the brain – using a computer is not a possibility. Now, with the more serious diagnosis of cervical artery dissection, normal daily movement is also limited. Mandolin must wear a neck brace to ensure her neck stays stable – anything more than a light walk is not possible.

We anticipate that Mandolin will continue to be unable to work for the next 6 months in order to heal properly while seeing specialists who will determine her treatment plan.

How we can support Mandolin:

If anyone knows any doctors in the San Diego area that can help use their network to get Mandolin an appointment with a neurologist or vascular surgeon as soon as possible, please let us know. The medical system has been quite difficult to navigate and the wait times for appointments are really long. Being seen soon is a top priority, as Mandolin is currently experiencing a limited amount of oxygenated blood to her brain, which has serious long-term effects, and a blood clot that has a high probability of stroke.

Because Mandolin will be out of work for around a total of 9 months and she is facing very high medical bills we are raising money to support her (monthly living expenses and medical bills). Everyone in Mandolin’s community knows how loving, compassionate, and generous she is – from gifting her expertise online over COVID, to creating and deploying the 2-week Stand for Love Challenge, to raising money for children at the orphanage in Peru – Mandolin is always looking to improve others lives. During her time of need, please help her in any way that you can.

How I Got My Traumatic Brain injury

Everyone always asks me how I got my traumatic brain injury. And for 4 years, I’ve never been able to answer. The truth was too big, too messy and I couldn’t get the words

But today—I’m ready.

I was playing with my niece, ran to jump over a baby gate and my head slammed into the oak door frame. My foot caught. The back of my head hit the floor—hard and blacked out. When I woke up, I was bloody, confused, and throwing up…

I didn’t know it yet, but my life as I knew it was over.

The pain was like nothing I’ve ever known. The vomiting wouldn’t stop. My thoughts—shattered, like a shaken snow globe. I couldn’t speak without slurring. I couldn’t walk properly. The world felt like knives.

It took three days to see a doctor.

The doctor barely looked at me. ‘You’ll be fine. Two days of half-loads, then back to work. That’s what we did in the military.’

No imaging. No real tests. Just blind confidence.

‘Rest a little extra, or it could take six months to heal.’

So I believed him. I had to.

I had just invested $10,000 into a conscious business coaching program—the biggest investment of my life. No refunds.

‘Just delegate more. You’re learning to up-level,’ they said. One coach even told me she’d had multiple TBIs.

So I kept trying. Every. Single. Day. Just to survive. To keep my business alive.

I had always bounced back before.

I pushed through agony, body rejecting everything, trapped in a blacked-out room—except when I had to perform.

I launched my Stand for Love Challenge. Raised awareness and funds for the Kogi people in Colombia. Flew to Mexico for my business program. Took on new retreat clients. Kept in a neuroscience for trauma healing program.

It looked like I was thriving.

But behind the scenes?

Doctors brushed me off. Friends said, ‘You look fine.’ Family disappeared.

And every single day, I got worse… until my body completely broke.

(Part 2 next, things just got worse)

Full video on instagram @mandolinbadger

Stacey Hollen

4 months ago

$100

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Anonymous

3 years ago

$20

Kimaya Lakshmi

3 years ago

$21

Anonymous

3 years ago

$20

Kirsten Pier

3 years ago

$1000

Anonymous

3 years ago

$50

Anonymous

3 years ago

$20

Anonymous

3 years ago

$20

Kirsten Pier

3 years ago

$1000

Anonymous

3 years ago

$100

Danielle Abele

3 years ago

$50

mandolin Badger

How I Got My Traumatic Brain injury Everyone always asks me how I got my traumatic brain injury. And for 4 years, I’ve never been able to answer. The truth was too big, too messy and I couldn’t get the words But today—I’m ready. I was playing with my niece, ran to jump over a baby gate and my head slammed into the oak door frame. My foot caught. The back of my head hit the floor—hard and blacked out. When I woke up, I was bloody, confused, and throwing up… I didn’t know it yet, but my life as I knew it was over. The pain was like nothing I’ve ever known. The vomiting wouldn’t stop. My thoughts—shattered, like a shaken snow globe. I couldn’t speak without slurring. I couldn’t walk properly. The world felt like knives. It took three days to see a doctor. The doctor barely looked at me. ‘You’ll be fine. Two days of half-loads, then back to work. That’s what we did in the military.’ No imaging. No real tests. Just blind confidence. ‘Rest a little extra, or it could take six months to heal.’ So I believed him. I had to. I had just invested $10,000 into a conscious business coaching program—the biggest investment of my life. No refunds. ‘Just delegate more. You’re learning to up-level,’ they said. One coach even told me she’d had multiple TBIs. So I kept trying. Every. Single. Day. Just to survive. To keep my business alive. I had always bounced back before. I pushed through agony, body rejecting everything, trapped in a blacked-out room—except when I had to perform. I launched my Stand for Love Challenge. Raised awareness and funds for the Kogi people in Colombia. Flew to Mexico for my business program. Took on new retreat clients. Kept in a neuroscience for trauma healing program. It looked like I was thriving. But behind the scenes? Doctors brushed me off. Friends said, ‘You look fine.’ Family disappeared. And every single day, I got worse… until my body completely broke. (Part 2 next, things just got worse) Full video on instagram @mandolinbadger

4 months ago

Meridith Wenzel

UPDATE ON MANDOLIN’s HEALTH: I really wish I was writing with better news. I am here to do my best to provide Mandolin’s loving community with an update on her health condition and everyday life, following a conversation we had recently. Please read the details in the body of the fundraising page. Thank you!

3 years ago

Meridith Wenzel

Hi everyone, It’s Meridith again – I forgot to add something very important to the update message yesterday regarding ways to support Mandolin… Currently, Mandolin is staying in San Diego, as it is not possible for her to fly or drive home to Maine. It is in San Diego that she will see the specialists she needs. If anyone has connections to 1 bedroom accommodation in Ocean Beach beginning September 1st, could you please send them to Mandolin’s boyfriend, Ryan at (802) 598-1436. This would be so helpful – thank you!

Hi everyone, It’s Meridith again – I forgot to add something very important to the update message yesterday regarding ways to support Mandolin… Currently, Mandolin is staying in San Diego, as it is not possible for her to fly or drive home to Maine. It is in San Diego that she will see the specialists she needs. If anyone has connections to 1 bedroom accommodation in Ocean Beach beginning September 1st, could you please send them to Mandolin’s boyfriend, Ryan at (802) 598-1436. This would be so helpful – thank you!

4 years ago

Meridith Wenzel

Hello to Mandolin’s Loving Community – This is Meridith, sending an update on Mandolin’s behalf. First of all, WOW – thank you so much for the generous donations. Mandolin is genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude. This money is already going to use to pay Mandolin’s living expenses and medical bills. It is unreal to think that we were able to raise this much money in just over a week and a half. Thank you again. Additionally, thank you so much for the other ways that you are supporting Mandolin. For example, Mandolin has received many messages with recommendations for the specialists she needs to see, and she also received the most generous box of 21 delicious, pre-made plant based meals to her house (the gifter is still unknown – please let Mandolin know you sent this thoughtful gift!). At present, Mandolin is starting to see specialists to get examined more in-depth to understand the full impact of her injury and the course of treatment. We will provide updates to you all when we have them. Finally, Mandolin has a ton of un-returned messages, and appreciates each and every message received via text, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Please know that since she is supposed to stay off of devices, she is getting help from others to read and respond – apologies if your message is replied to with quite a delay. Please continue to shower Mandolin with your love and your supportive messages here – they are so appreciated. Sincerely, Meridith (on behalf of Mandolin)

4 years ago

Annabel

Oh my god mandolin I am sending your details to a doctor friend on the east coast who is involved in neurology – will keep in touch – love you lots x x annabel x x

4 years ago

Ali Fraenkel

We love you Mando. May you be held by immense community support from every direction, as you so readily give to others. ❤️May your fullest recovery be well on its way, beautiful soul! – Ali

4 years ago

Ellen Erickson

Stay strong you beautiful soul ❤️ I love you so much

4 years ago

Angelamichelle

To my girl , your to beautiful a soul and light not to have a full recovery ♥ 1111 is my angel sending your way ❤love u mom ❤

4 years ago

colin bond

From Sydney with love healing vibes xx Wish you a full recovery xx

4 years ago

Aaron Musgrove

Stay strong and get well Mando.

4 years ago

Heather Brown

Meredith- is there a way to contact you?

4 years ago

Ronja Sebastian

Loving you, Mandolin, and visualizing healing and regeneration in your body Thank you, Meredith, for creating this for all of us to support.

4 years ago

Meridith Wenzel

Mandolin Badger