Dear Friends, So, here's the latest update on our daughter Eva, as she continues to recover from her 12/30/19 stroke that paralyzed her left side--some good news, and I hope it holds... (For some this is new, for others a recap.). The cause of her stroke was a 99% blockage of her right carotid artery. Surgery (endarterectomy) was scheduled to unblock that artery in order to prevent future strokes. After 3 postponements of her surgery due to insurance issues, Eva found out that Medicaid approved her application, so she is now covered by Medicaid from January 1 (not the first two days--Dec 30,31--ambulance, ICU and 30+tests)--how much that covers, I don't know. Her surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. We are hoping there is not another change... Post-surgery, she will be in ICU for a day or two and then come home for a 4-6 weeks recovery time. In the meantime she continues to make good progress with therapy exercises at home, regaining her strength and mobility. Walking is good, and balance is much improved. Arm, hand and finger use is getting better, but she still does not have feeling in her arm, hand and fingers which makes it difficult to pick up, grasp, and hold objects; feel and locate objects if she is not seeing them; and discern where objects are touching her without looking. The healing brain is still remaking those connections. Her speech continues to improve, but she says it feels like she has marbles in her mouth when she talks. She is not yet able to drive, so someone must take her to do shopping or errands or go to medical/therapy appointments. She still needs time during the day to rest and heal. She remains in good spirits; but, after all the delays, she says she is "so done with this". She is not looking forward to the surgery, but she just wants to be completely well and mobile and return to her work as a childcare teacher. Hopefully, the surgery will enable this to happen sooner than later. Thank you for your continuing love, thoughts, prayers, lit candles, emails, calls, and cards. We are overwhelmed and deeply grateful for your kind expressions of support. You have helped carry Eva and all of us through these last weeks. Some, who did not receive Eva's last name and contact info in a previous email, have asked for that, so that is below. Many of you have also shared health or challenging situations that you are experiencing personally or with your family, so our prayers are with you as well. I will be heading to Pittsburgh February 18 before the surgery. My next update will be post surgery. Happy Valentine's Day! Grace and peace,blessings and love ~ Ellie :)elliestock@aol.com Eva Neszpaul446 Union AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15205evajworks@aol.com