Hope Matters - Emily Jackson

Emily Irene Jackson is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hope Matters – It came, We fought, I won

When I was a little girl, my parents would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. To be honest, they asked all of their children the same question. My siblings always changed their answers. My sister wanted to be a veterinarian, a teacher and a “restaurant girl”. I think my brother had all kinds of crazy ideas about his future. I always had the same answer. All that I ever wanted out of my life was to be a mommy.

There were times in my life where I really truly believed that it would never happen. I think that everyone feels that way when they really want something. I know what is like to be so far away from even being able to see how your dream can become a reality. It turns out that I needed to do some work on who I was as a person so I could be prepared to be a good mother.

Finally, my dream became a reality. I get to be a mom to an amazing little girl that is the light of my life.

In March of 2016, my light and my life were put at risk. I came down with a virus, and I noticed that I was having a hard time speaking. Only after I got better, my speech did not. I was having difficulty lifting my right foot. So, I went to the podiatrist, and I found out that I had drop foot. I have had MRI’s, EMG’s, Lumbar Punctures and loads of blood tests.

Turns out that I have Motor Neuron damage. However, I have yet to be firmly diagnosed with a specific disease. Right now, I have difficulty speaking, walking, and moving my right arm.

I have an amazing supportive family. They have been with me for every scary moment and have reminded me that I have so many reasons to fight.

What I’ve done:

· Pray, on my own and with my family, for complete and total healing of my body.

· Seen three neurologists (locally and in Chicago) as well as my primary care physician for medical care.

· Physical and speech therapy, including a regimen of twice daily home exercises.

· Seen a functional medicine physician with extensive testing.

· Completely and dramatically changed my daily routines and diet. I am now on a paleo diet with a full regimen of medical-prescribed supplements.

· Moved in with my parents to reduce expenses and for help in daily living.

Why I am asking for help:

· Motor neuron illness is especially debilitating and expensive, and it affects every minute of my day.

· I have decided to fight.

· I have worked full-time my entire adult life, and I continue to do so now. I am an Office Support Specialist at Western Illinois University. However, my annual salary is just under $25K.

· The cost of supplements $650/month. And, some of the assistive devices that I would like cost thousands of dollars. Eating an organic, paleo diet has doubled our household grocery expense.

· All donations that I receive will be put toward my healthcare, specifically for co-pays, therapy, assistive devices for walking and speaking, prescriptions (including supplements, which are not covered by insurance) and I also would like to take a trip with my daughter. Donations will also allow me to pursue any new clinical trials or therapies that become available.

I am asking you to support me as I continue to fight. Your support will help me focus on getting well without having to agonize over how I am going to pay for it all. There are lots of ways to support me and join me in my fight. You could give a lump sum. Perhaps, you will decide that you want to help by donating enough to buy a month’s worth of medications, groceries or co-pays.

Please think about sponsoring a month’s worth of supplements ($650), a month’s worth of groceries ($1,000) or a month of copays ($125). Some people have said that they prefer to donate with a check. If that is you, please email me at [email redacted] and I can give you that information. Whatever you decide to give, please keep in mind that every dollar will go towards maintaining my health. I so appreciate you taking to read my story and I appreciate your gifts.