OUT OF AIR

On Wednesday January 19, I called 911 with severe abdominal pain. I was sent home that evening with a diagnosis of—“localized abdominal pain” (clever right?) I returned to the hospital the next day with the same pain continuing to intensify. I received a diagnosis of severe pneumonia and was sent home to heal. The pain was agony and continued to get worse by the hour—by the moment really. On Saturday, I called 911 with pain but also with shortness of breath, and with my diagnosis, it was decided that a bit of oxygen and a breathing treating would suffice. Close to 2 hours later I called 911 for the fourth time. Before I called, I had taken each struggling step to the bathroom. I looked into the mirror and the eyes staring back at me told me a story I had seen on the eyes of another person before. I saw and knew deep within my core that I was dying. The paramedics came and took me to the hospital.

Within the span of an hour or less, two doctors entered my room with grave news. I had two MASSIVE blood clots on my lungs, I was actively dying, and if I were a candidate, there is a risky procedure that could “suck” part of the clots out of my lungs via a tube inserted in my groin artery. The doctors and nurses kept repeating, “it is a miracle you are alive!” I kept hearing that phrase as test after test was being ran on me, as I was being prepped for the procedure they eventually decided I met the earmarks for, and as lay in total shock and the worst pain of my life to date.

So why Go Fund Me??? I have been home for a few days from procedure, intensive care unit, hospital, etc.., and I am coming to realize a profound fact about myself. If I don’t ask for help, no one will ever know what I need. Many people have asked how they can help. This type of platform of asking for help is not all who I usually am as a person. Here is what I know to be true, and I am coming to accept:

1. I will need more time off work to recover than I ever expected. (2-3 months are recommended)

2. My type of work as a hairstylist for 20 years has no paid time off policy or other benefits that allow for compensation during recovery

3. The hardships of covid and the past 2 years have drained my saved resources

4. The hospital bills will be significant even with insurance

5. I have always been a person to jump right back on the horse, and in this case, I am not capable of walking without assistance…much less jumping.

6. I NEED HELP

I am truly in a place of surrender as I tell you that I need help. My white flag is flying. I am asking for this assistance as a stabilizing factor to metaphorically and literally take the time to get my feet back under me. Most of the proceeds will be used for taking time to truly recover, physical therapy in order to move and breathe without oxygen assistance and a cane, overall living expenses,and the rest will be put towards the beginning of paying medical bills.

I am fully aware I was kept alive for a reason. I feel that in the deepest part of my faith, and I will try to give myself as an instrument to that profound fact daily. For now, in the immediate, I need the help to lighten the burden of all the stresses that come with recovery.

In advance, my deepest thanks to anyone that is willing to help. I know my community has always been a guiding light, and I am sure this will not prove any different.

Love and Light,

Jacque