Support Sue MacDonald
Dear family and friends,
As you know, I’m a Christian preschool teacher, and I’m really hoping to teach again in the fall.
In the fall of 2023, I had COVID. I had difficulty breathing for 3 months. As time went on, it became manageable, but I was never back to normal. I could work but I tired easily and could not exercise. In March of 2025, I noticed my breathing was becoming much, much worse. I was unable to work, go to church, or even complete simple household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Even showering made me short of breath and trying to go up and down stairs was terribly hard on me.
Doctors performed many tests, including a chest x-ray, CT of my lungs, echocardiogram, EKG, and several pulmonary function tests. I’ve seen 3 pulmonologists and a cardiologist and have been to the University of Michigan and to the Long COVID Clinic in Fort Wayne, IN. I tried pulmonary rehab, but at my first visit my blood pressure dropped sharply after just 4 minutes of exercise, and I came very close to fainting. I have even tried several alternative treatments but have not had any success.
One of the toughest parts of this journey is that I found out that I am allergic to albuterol and any type of steroid, so I have been unable to even get temporary relief. I go out occasionally but am housebound for the most part. Recently, we’ve learned about significant research that supports the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Long COVID recovery. My husband suggested I check into HBOT, and my doctor concurred. I’m praying that this is my answer. I want nothing more than to be able to teach again in the fall.
HBOT decreases inflammation that Long COVID caused which has affected neurotransmitters and their ability to communicate. This therapy also helps to heal damage that the condition has caused near the heart. HBOT acts as an antiviral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal agent. It has been shown to reduce pain significantly, alleviate sleep dysfunction, and reduce cognitive impairment. It also increases energy, and increases the body’s white blood cell activity, boosting the immune system and promoting healing.
I learned that there is a non-profit facility right here in Northwest Ohio that I could go to called Sara’s Garden. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for my situation is only $150 per treatment at Sara’s Garden (as opposed to $1,500-2,500 per treatment at a hospital). Unfortunately, in the United States insurance companies do not recognize HBOT as being therapeutic for the treatment of Long COVID and will therefore not cover the cost of the treatments.
If you could assist me with the cost (or even just part of the cost) of a single $150 treatment it would help reduce my overall expenses greatly. 100% of the funds received will go into an account in my name and will be used for my treatments. Any contribution made would be considered a tax-deductible donation as Sara’s Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit facility. Checks can be made out to Sara’s Garden with my name written on a sheet of paper accompanying the check. Please DO NOT write my name directly on the check itself. You can also donate securely online via credit card by clicking on the DONATE NOW button below.
Thank you so much for considering making donations towards my treatments at Sara’s Garden. I am grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Sincerely,
Susan MacDonald (Sue)
Sara’s Garden is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your charitable contribution is tax deductible under 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, to the extent allowed by law. A receipt will be sent to you after your pledge has been received to use for tax purposes.