Sylvia Monroe has spent the past eight months recovering from an accident, but after undergoing seven surgeries, she still has one more ahead of her.
The 24-year-old Gloucester resident, a Mathews High School graduate, was in a car accident last July that almost caused the loss of her left arm. The Mathews community is stepping up to help out with her expenses, with a fundraiser scheduled for May 2.
Monroe said she was traveling on Route 14 to go to her job at a bank in Kilmarnock when she came up suddenly on a truck towing a trailer with no brake lights that was stopped in the middle of the road. She swerved to avoid the trailer, but hit it and over-corrected, flipping her car over. Her left forearm got pinned under her car and she suffered an injury that tore away the muscles and tendons. She also suffered a minor concussion.
After the accident, Monroe said a good Samaritan, Ginger Hogge, came to her car to help her and to stay with her until the rescue squad arrived.
“She prayed with me and stayed the whole time,” said Monroe. “I thank God for her. Without her, I would’ve passed out. She was somebody I needed in that moment. I will never forget her.”
Taken to MCV by helicopter, Monroe was told by surgeons that they were considering amputation. Horrified, she said she begged the doctors not to remove her arm, then the anesthesia set in and she fell asleep. When she woke up, she still had her arm.
“They did a wound care surgery to try to put it back together,” she said.
The surgeries continued over a month’s time, as Monroe remained in the hospital. Complications from an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication extended her convalescence.
Monroe stayed with her mother, Mathews resident Antichella Forrest, and her husband, Steven Forrest, until last October, when she was finally able to move back into her Gloucester apartment. The two not only provided emotional and physical support for her but also held a fundraiser last October to help her with medical bills and monthly expenses. Those funds have been expended, but there are still ongoing expenses, and with an eighth surgery scheduled for next Thursday, more expenses yet to come. Monroe’s hand still isn’t functioning correctly, and surgeons will be operating on it to “release” the tendons; the hope is to enable her to use it once again.
Monroe said she hasn’t been able to return to her regular job and that she still doesn’t have a vehicle to drive. She’s currently working part-time in a retail beauty store near her apartment, and friends are helping her by giving her rides.
“The funds raised will help me with a car so I can get back to work and support myself,” she said. “And they will help with my medical bills.”
Ways to help
A fund has been set up at Chesapeake Bank to help Monroe with expenses. Donations may be made directly to the Sylvia Monroe Fund.
In addition, Lynne Davenport, owner of Richardson’s Café in Mathews, is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Monroe from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, May 2. She is donating all the food and supplies, and everyone helping out is volunteering, so 100 percent of the cost of every meal sold will go to help Monroe.
The meal will consist of spaghetti, bread, and a salad for $15, cash or check only. Checks should be made out to Sylvia Monroe.
Meal orders will be taken beginning the last week in April. Those participating should call 804-725-7772 that week and provide a time when they want to pick up their food at the walk-up window on the side of the restaurant.
Monroe expressed gratitude for Davenport’s help, and the help of everyone in the community.
“I’m so thankful and appreciative,” said Monroe. “I pray to God the surgery goes well. I just want to get back on my feet again.”