Jesse McKee's CNS Lymphoma Battle

Original Story Here, Updates Below:

Hello, my name is Amber Abel-McKee and about a year ago the strong and healthy man we all know by the name of Jesse McKee began to feel 'off', have vision changes, and lose his balance. Over the course of a year, he has continued to have both physical and mental decline. In the last 4 months, Jesse has been hospitalized multiple times and put through any and every test possible to look for the cause of his illness. While they searched, he continued to get worse. This illness has taken his ability to walk, to work, to parent, and to function in daily life as he is plagued with fatigue, confusion, extreme weakness, and loss of motor control.

At this time, the advanced medical team has located damage deep in his right brain [basal ganglia] as well as an ocular lesion in the right eye - but all tests up until this point have proven to be inconclusive and the autoimmune treatments they tried have failed to aid in his recovery. We continue his journey as we travel [for the fourth time] back to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the last week of March 2022 for the next test - a meeting with the ocular oncologist and a potential biopsy - the purpose of this is to further confirm or deny the suspected diagnosis of  [Primary CNS Lymphoma]. If Lymphoma is confirmed, treatment will start immediately in effort to save his life. If they are wrong, and the biopsy doesn't find cancer as they suspect - we are back to ground zero in figuring out what is causing these lesions and shutting down his body. Either way - this will be a long hard road for him and his recovery will be fueled by our support and ability to seek all the medical care he needs. 

Due to a reduced amount of income and an incredibly high amount of travel expenses as well as potential medical bills we have decided to ask for help in a way that  - without this life situation  - we never would. Amber is spending every day with Jesse in the hospital or traveling for medical care as needed to support him; therefore, all of the children are being displaced from time to time and cared for by relatives. We understand if you cannot give a financial contribution  - there are other ways that we can receive help  - please refer to our social media post for non-contribution methods of assistance or alternative donation options. 

Updates: 

April 7, 2022. We have received a confirmed diagnosis of primary CNS Lymphoma. We are so saddened by this news and need your love and support more than ever. May the battle continue  - Go Team Jesse! Headed back to VUMC Monday the 11th for oncology appointments to get a treatment plan in place!