Support Ronni Newt’s Recovery Fund: Shot on 101 Freeway in L.A County
Los Angeles, CA— A devastated family is asking for support to help the recovery efforts of 27-year-old Ronni Newt, who was shot in the head while on her way to visit friends last December. The shooting was reported around 5 p.m. Dec. 17 near the White Oak Avenue exit in the San Fernando Valley, which left Newt in a coma. Newt’s family recently shared that she is now minimally conscious and they are looking forward to her recovery. To help with the financial toll and medical costs which total $9,000 monthly, Newt’s family have set up a Gofundme.
“Currently, Ronni is in what is known as a minimally conscious state. That is where a person shows clear but inconsistent awareness. She is awake and alert and breathing on her own. But can’t speak, sit up on her own or purposely move her arms and legs. She sometimes responds to questions with eye blinks and occasionally squeezes a hand.
Ronni’s medical care will need to continue, but her insurance will lapse in a couple of months. Traditional insurance doesn’t provide long-term care. They have a limited number of hospitalization days that are covered. After those days have expired, medical costs are left to the individual and their families.
Ronni will require 24/7 nursing care as she recovers. She will need physical therapy to learn how to walk again and to prevent spasticity and contracture from setting in. She will need speech therapy to learn how to swallow and talk. Occupational therapy so she can assume daily activities like brushing her teeth, combing her hair, or showering. She will also need regular therapy to help her through this traumatic and life-altering experience while she returns to a healthy existence. In addition to the various services, she will require multiple medical supplies, including; a reclining wheelchair. Medical bed, pure wick catheter system, replacement catheters, latex gloves, monitoring equipment, feeding tube supplies, etc.
Below is an estimated breakdown of costs:
-24-hour nursing care approx $9,000 per month
-Home modifications, including a ramp, bathroom safety bars, etc., approx $8500
-Physical therapy approx $350 per session 3 – 5 times weekly
-Speech therapy approx $300 per session 3 – 5 times a week
-Occupational therapy approx $200 per session 3 – 5 times weekly
-Various medical supplies related to her ongoing care
–Prescriptions and medications related to her recovery but not covered by insurance
-Mobile transport for follow-up Doctor visits.
Ronni’s parents, Francine Webster and Robert Newt, and her aunt LaTanya Newt have long-established ties to the Hollywood creative community (music, TV, Film, Digital Media).
