Help and Support Single Mum Jenny

This May 2021 I was given the devastating news that I have Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis, enlarged spleen, portal hypertension and mild ascites. This came as a shock as the rapid cirrhosis has more than doubled in the space of 6 months. This means I am at great risk of internally bleeding, multiple processes of decline and or liver failure at any given moment.

I am the sole active parent and Mummy to my loving son Vincent (4 years old) and my absolute everything. I struggle financially to makes ends meet and have no physical support with my family living elsewhere and no life insurance. It pains me to be in a scenario of potential powerlessness, when this is no longer purely to keep me safe. I wish to be present in his life for as long as I can be.

I have a chronic illness since potentially age 15 (2002), yet was diagnosed in 2010 with a rare illness known as Autoimmune Hepatitis. I was advised of a very short life expectancy on two occasions which I surpassed both. In 2016 I unexpectedly yet miraculously became pregnant with my son, where I was further diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). My pregnancy journey was traumatic to say the least. I was high risk of liver failure both during or post pregnancy and many events occurred. Thankfully through a change of hospital specialist and reaching out to wonderful professionals who guided with optimism, my son and I remained safe. My illness and symptoms (not limited to the above) have massively affected my life including relationships, work and ability to cope at times.

The medication I am on has improved my liver markers yet have not prevented the progression of liver scarring nor improved many of my symptoms. Medically my options are limited with consideration of early assessment for a liver transplant. My predicament is that I have trialled various steroid and immunosuppressant medications which have either been ineffective due to the aggressive nature of my illness or I’ve experienced severe reactions. My faith is wavering for successful transplantation, if eligible. Overall this is something I hope to avoid if I can.

Creating this fundraiser has taken much hesitation and resistance because asking for this kind of support is something which doesn’t comes easily to me. All the while questioning whether my request is worthy when there is so much suffering throughout the world. I am in desperation. I am not entitled but I am worthy and this does… I do matter.

If you would like to contribute in kindly supporting me towards healing, from various self-healing therapies to general health needs. I would be forever grateful for the compassion given. My greatest strength is resilience. I love you and thank you for the help and playing a part in my journey.