Support for Alys

SCROLL DOWN FOR MEAL TRAIN & DROP-IN SCHEDULE As many of you know, Alys is undergoing her third epidural blood patch procedure to try to repair her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This is a huge step forward, but the most important part of making this procedure stick is strict rest. For the first several weeks, Alys needs to lie flat as much as possible to give her body the best chance to heal. That means absolutely no bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, or straining. To give her the best shot at a full recovery, we want to take every bit of physical strain off her shoulders so she can stay flat and focus on healing. We’re putting this page together to organize small tasks, quick house drop-ins, food gift cards, and basic errands. If you’re able to jump on a shift or help out, it will take a big burden off her! How You Can Help, as you’ll see on this page: 1. Meal Train (scroll down for schedule) Alys can’t cook for the first 6-8 weeks, so she really needs as much support with nourishment as possible during her recovery. No Homemade meals: Alys has complex food allergies that she won’t have the energy to communicate individually. Reactions could make her patch recovery less successful, so we are strictly avoiding homemade meals to keep her safe. She also doesn’t have much fridge or freezer space. She does love homemade baked goods, though. Those are generally safe for her, and are easy, high calorie items she can grab. UberEats / DoorDash Gift Cards: Sending a digital meal delivery card is the absolute best and safest way to feed her right now. It lets her order exactly what she knows is safe for her body on any given day without any risk of a reaction. In the beginning, she won’t be able to go out to get it, though. So takeout drop offs would be ideal during the first couple of weeks. 2. Groceries & Pharmacy Pick-Ups: Specific Grocery Runs: She may need specific packaged items or basic staples picked up so she doesn't have to leave the house or carry heavy bags inside from grocery deliveries. She has to get her groceries delivered from Amazon and Whole Foods, so those will be the easiest places to get what she needs without a lot of substitutions/communication. She cannot cook at all for the first 6-8 weeks so it will mostly be staples. Pharmacy Pick-Ups: Grabbing prescriptions or recovery essentials as needed. 3. Quick Drop-Ins & Small Household Tasks: Because Alys can’t bend, twist, or lift anything, simple daily chores become impossible. We’re looking for local friends who can pop in quickly to help with tiny things around the house. What this looks like: watering her plants, doing a few dishes, giving the kitchen floor a quick sweep, or plugging in a cord that has come out of the outlet. The Vibe: Keep visits short and low-energy —the main goal is getting the task done so she can get right back to resting! She might really love a 30-60 minute visit, but some days, she might not be up for even that - it can change day to day or hour to hour. 4. Out-of-Town & Long-Distance Support: If you aren't local, sending an UberEats card, an Instacart gift card, or just sending a sweet text (with zero expectation of a response!) is an incredible way to support her from afar. Thank you all so much for lifting Alys up while she goes through this next hurdle!