Jessica's medical fund

The Patten Family - Mark, Jessica, Thomas (7), Jane (4), and Clara (6 months) - could use your thoughts, prayers, and financial help. This has been a hard year in some ways and a wonderful year in others, but we’re here to talk about the hard. Early in her pregnancy with Clara, Jess began experiencing daily debilitating migraine headaches to the point of loss of vision, constant nausea, and general ill health. By February 2016 she was no longer medically cleared to work, and she has not worked since then. Baby Clara came on April 16th. We all hoped and prayed that the headaches would subside as hormone levels decreased. She has seen a migraine doctor, endocrinologist, and most recently a holistic doctor and gone through their treatment plans (some of which are on-going, and costly). This has been a heavy load for Jess to bear, as well as her family.

Jess has been an oncology social worker for 13 years. In September her long-time job position as an oncology social worker for Lemmen-Holton through Spectrum Health was terminated because she is still not able (or medically cleared)  to work, despite a caring boss and building full of co-workers and patients who miss her dearly. Her health insurance also ended in September, which means that Jess had to apply for Medicaid for herself and the kids. Unlike most of their peers, Jess has for some years been the “breadwinner” in their family because Mark has Cystic Fibrosis and is unable to work a full-time, steady job due to his own illness. The health insurance for the family has gone through Jess (thankfully Mark’s is separate and not in jeopardy). Can you imagine the way this insurance stress has added to her headaches?

There are bills they have not been able to pay, long-term disability that has not been fully approved yet, and medical treatments to pursue that are not covered by insurance - or now, Medicaid, if she gets approved.  They could use our help. Not only that, but Jess has been put on a restrictive diet that is difficult and costly, and different from her family. So many dynamics at play here!

Honestly, Jess is heartbroken over her current situation (excluding her family of course!) on top of feeling physically miserable - a misery that many of us have never known. I think that we, as people who know and love her and her family, can help relieve one big headache-causing stress that comes with illness - finances. I humbly ask that you consider helping them in whatever way you can as they walk this difficult road. She would certainly covet your prayers - we believe that prayer does change things, and that God does hear every one.

Thank you in advance for helping a family so dear to my heart! Also, many thanks to Jess’s co-workers who set up this page for her, a testament to how much she is loved by them. J

Suzanne (Mark’s sister)