Community Comes Together to Help Loved Local Woman After Stroke

EAST HAMPTON, NY - Friends are rallying to help an East Hampton woman who's spent a lifetime giving back to others.

According to a GoFundMe, "Friends 4 Fran," set up by her niece Alyson Follenius, which has raised $7,195 of its $50,000 goal in 16 days, the campaign was created in an effort to help Fran Miller Silipo "during what has become an increasingly difficult time medically, emotionally and financially."

In July, 2015, Silipo's doctor put her on medical leave for stress-related issues, the page states. "Upon returning to work that fall, she suffered a stroke in October which left her unable to return to work."

Although she was able to take a paid medical leave for a brief period, since the stroke, Silipo has begun to suffer from additional neurological symptoms.

Currently, her aunt is on unpaid leave from the Springs School, she said.

Of her aunt, Follenius said, "Fran is the giver in our family and community at large. From the time we were little kids she was the person we would and could go to when we needed anything and she never once asked for anything in return, expect for mooches, or kisses, of course."

She added, "Another great example of her kindness and generosity toward our community came after her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor in elementary school. After having surgery to remove the tumor, he would need occupational therapy and speech services at school."

Her aunt, she said, began volunteering at the Springs School and then was hired as a secretary for the special education department.

In addition, her aunt has been actively involved in community fundraising by planning and orchestrating fundraising events for local families in financial need due to medical issues, raising nearly $200,000 for local families and helping to create Nana Cares, a local not-for-profit that also benefits local families, Follenius said.

"Now it is our turn to help her. Life is funny, as now she is finding herself on the other end of this cycle and in need of support. While she will never ask for it, my sisters and I are asking for her," Follenius said.

Silipo has been unable to pay her mortgage for the last six months, since the stroke, her niece said.

As Silipo was the main breadwinner in the family, Follenius said her uncle's salary "is unable to cover what their two salaries would cover in the past. He has also been facing medical issues and between the two of them, the copays are also becoming increasingly difficult to cover which is why she has also had to cut her physical therapy down, as well. With increasing balance in utilities and trying to cover groceries, it is only adding to the stress."

In addition, her aunt has been faced with legal issues, as well, Follenius said.

"The stress of this financial strain has become increasingly evident and we, as her family are very concerned about the possibility of another stroke. Research suggests that women who have suffered a stroke are 24 percent more likely to experience a secondary stroke within five years" and "they often have a higher rate of death and disability because parts of the brain are already injured by original stroke may not be as resilient," according to the National Stroke Association, Follenius said. "This is why we are asking you for help. We are hoping that alleviating financial stress will allow her to better focus on healing and regaining strength."

After donations came pouring in, she added, "So much love exists within this small community. I am so grateful for all of you. Thank you for the continued support. You have all given Aunt Fran a renewed hope for what is to come. Your love and words mean so much."