Bedbound Jessica Needs Life-Changing Surgery

Hello, my name is Jessica Hunt, and I am a 45-year-old female reaching out for support to help me regain my health and quality of life. I have been battling a series of complex and debilitating health conditions that have left me completely bedbound in a nursing home for two years, Despite the challenges, I am determined to fight for a better future, and I need your help to make that possible.

My Story

In 2014, I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) by Dr. Clair Francomano after years of debilitating symptoms. Since then, I have undergone seven neurosurgeries, including tethered cord release surgeries and brain decompression, as well as procedures to address severe instability in my spine. These surgeries were very successful and allowed me to resume many functions. Unfortunately, my health has continued to decline due to a series of events, including a major fall in 2023 that left me with severe dystonia, pain, and even further neurological challenges. These challenges leave me with the inability to walk or sit up straight. Unless I receive specialized neurosurgery I will be bedbound for the rest of my life.

Currently, I am living in a nursing home in Amesbury, MA, completely bedbound and relying on a Hoyer lift for mobility. I suffer from a myriad of conditions, including:

    •    POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

    •    Gastroparesis

    •    Dysautonomia

    •    Severe TMJD and GERD

    •    Contractures in my feet and elbows

    •    Chronic pain requiring medication management

    •    Neurological deficits and absent reflexes

Despite these challenges, I have not given up hope. My neurologist has referred me to a specialist, Dr. Paolo Bolognese, on Long Island, NY, who could provide critical care and answers. However, due to my medical and financial situation, I am unable to travel there or afford the associated costs. Medicare and MassHealth will not pay for these expenses.

What I Need Help With

I am seeking support to cover the following:

    1.    Medical Transportation: I cannot travel in a regular car due to my condition. I need specialized transportation to see Dr. Bolognese in New York.

    2.    Specialized Care: Ongoing medical consultations, imaging, and treatments to manage my condition and prevent further decline. These treatments will likely include neurosurgery to address the spinal damage.

    3.    Physical Therapy: Access to EDS-specialized physical therapy to address my contractures and mobility challenges.

    4.    Living Expenses: Improved nutrition, adaptive equipment, and resources to enhance my quality of life while I continue my recovery journey.

    5.    Nursing assistance: I will also need to pay a nurse to travel with me to administer my medications, bathe me, push my wheelchair, get me into and out of a Hoyer lift, apply my pain patch, prepare and feed me my meals, etc.

My Goal

I am hoping to raise $50,000 to cover transportation, consultations, medical treatments, and essential care. Every dollar brings me closer to a chance at recovery and a life outside of this nursing home.

Why This Matters

Living bedbound in a nursing home is not a long-term solution. Without proper care, my condition continues to deteriorate, and I fear losing the hope of ever walking again. I dream of a day when I can leave this facility, regain some independence, and live a life filled with possibility.

Your support could be the turning point in my journey. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make an incredible difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story with others would mean the world to me.

Thank You

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can provide. Your kindness and generosity give me hope for a brighter future.

With gratitude,

Jessica Hunt