Support Jessica's Fight for Healing and Recovery

Hello, my name is Lucy and I’m setting this up on behalf of my dear friend Jessica. Jessica (age 36) is one of the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever meet. For seven years, she worked as a dedicated nurse, including as a pediatric nurse, where her care touched countless families. But her life turned upside down last year when a sudden and severe health crisis changed everything.

The beginning of Jessica’s journey was marked by three life-altering episodes of cardiac syncope with seizures. We now know that these events were caused by an arrhythmic heart condition called Brugada Syndrome, which if untreated can lead to sudden cardiac death. To make matters more complicated, doctors have strongly suspected that an underlying neuroendocrine tumor is triggering her symptoms and exacerbating her heart issues. These types of tumors are incredibly rare and difficult to localize but can wreak havoc on critical body systems. From recent imaging, she appears to have one or more tumors in the region of the pancreatic head and/or proximal duodenum. These images are currently being reviewed by experts at Stanford University Medical Center to determine next steps.

Jessica endures a host of debilitating daily symptoms—including daily fevers, cardiac symptoms, dizziness, digestive problems/nausea, sleep disturbances, headaches and body pains, and intense hormone “surges” that include high levels of anxiety/agitation and adrenaline, among others. Navigating this journey has meant seeking out specialized doctors, going through many rounds of tests, pushing through insurance hurdles and bureaucratic blocks, and persisting in self advocacy. The rarity of these conditions has made finding the right expertise a challenge. Through it all, she has remained resilient and determined. In a significant milestone, her cardiac case has been accepted by the Mayo Clinic, and she will travel there in January to meet with Dr. Michael Ackerman, one of the world’s leading experts in Brugada Syndrome.

The anticipated treatments for Jessica may be: 1) surgery to have an internal defibrillator placed in her chest (to prevent cardiac arrest and death); and 2) surgery to remove the tumor(s). These procedures will likely occur out of state and may include a long recovery time.

This journey hasn’t just been physically and emotionally grueling—it has also created a heavy financial strain. Jessica has been unable to work since late 2023, leaving her spouse Dale to carry the financial responsibilities. While they’ve managed to scrape by on savings, Dale’s income, and some family support, the mounting costs are overwhelming with no clear end in sight. They have hesitated to ask for help in this way, but they have recently given me permission to ask for support on their behalf, as this situation has stretched on far longer than anyone anticipated. Any contributions will help relieve the financial strain they’re facing and allow them to focus on what matters most: Jessica’s healing and recovery. They want me to stress to please feel no obligation!

Here’s how donations will be used:

Jessica and Dale are deeply grateful for every prayer, kind word, and act of generosity they’ve received throughout this challenging year. If you’re able to contribute, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If not, sharing their story or holding them in your thoughts and prayers means the world.

Thank you for being part of their community of hope and healing. Sending blessings to you and your loved ones this holiday season.

With love,

Lucy