Help Jessica and Family Through Medical Crisis

I am reaching out to any friends, family, and supporters willing to listen.

This is Jessica. My brother’s fiancée. They’ve been engaged now for a few years and have a beautiful little girl together. Jessica is originally from California but moved to South Carolina to be with my brother, who has a son from his previous relationship here.

Jessica’s Journey:

About 6 months ago, Jessica was diagnosed with Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis (CCP). A progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas which results in the formation of calcium deposits (calcifications) in the pancreas. This is the organ responsible for breaking down what’s consumed by special enzymes it produces, and glucose control. But in Jessica’s case?… her pancreas rivals Fort Knox. Her body’s no longer able to produce these enzymes that are so crucial for digestion. Result: it became impenetrable… nothing goes in, nothing goes out. This is the silent enemy Jessica fights. Severe malnutrition, significant weight loss, and so, so much pain. Food or drink that gets consumed is rejected, causing excruciating pain. And what’s worse? There is NO CURE. She has no choice but to play the wait game that is the Donor’s List.

After Diagnosis:

Since diagnosis, Jessica has been in and out of the hospital. From ER visits, to drs offices, to specialist referrals… all of these visits and NOTHING is actively being done about it. She’s tried many medications and had many procedures to break the stones but the drs keep saying the same thing: “It was worse than we thought and nothing we can do from here”. She’s then passed on to the next dr or sent home with a referral, just to go through it over, and over again.

Financial Struggles:

Naturally… Jessica lost her job. My brother also lost his job when this first started and has since had a difficult time finding and keeping a new one. Between having to up and leave work (even if it’s his first day on the job) to rush her back to the ER, to being the only parent capable of taking care of their children. On top of all this, their 5-year-old daughter is autistic and has special requirements and needs for almost everything she does. Being that she’s only 5, a parent has to be present when she gets off the bus. Not to mention care for her afterwards at home. It is all simply too much. Too much to juggle alone while also keeping yourself afloat both mentally and emotionally.

The surgeons and specialists needed for these procedures and tests are 3 hrs away at MUSC Charleston. Insurance doesn’t cover the bills stacking up. The everyday living expenses that won’t go away, the back and forth travel, the job losses, childcare, etc. How much more can they take?

As of today:

Jessica has lost over 60 pounds in as little as 3 months, and is now down to 88 pounds. Jessica is now admitted into the hospital as of 2 days ago and is fighting for her life. Her levels are critically low, and the drs say if they can’t get them back up, they’re not sure how much longer she’ll make it. If she does make it, -which she will!! We are all rooting for you Jessica!!!!- she still has a long road to go before she can be put on the donor’s list, as now she is no longer healthy enough to receive a transplant.

FUNDS:

ALL money raised through GoFundMe will go directly to Jessica and her family to be used towards their everyday needs such as rent, utilities, transportation/travel expenses, groceries, childcare, medication, lodging, living necessities, etc.

These are good, humble, kind-hearted people. And they simply need our help. Please help me bring this family a little relief by taking some of this burden away. Whether that help be in the form of donating money, spreading the word if you cannot afford to donate, or simply keeping them in your thoughts and prayers… anything helps no matter how big or small. ♥️