Jill and Chris Vicino Medical Fund

Let me tell you about Jill. Expressive, endearing Jill. She came into my life a little over a year ago like the calavry with flying flags. I was in need of a "dog-sitter" and a mutual friend connected us. Little did I know then that this woman - my friend - would have such an impact on me. Over the course of this past year, we have laughed, cried, walked and bonded over our mutual life experiences. Her no-nonsense, "take no prisoner" attitude is funny, refreshing and most of all - HONEST.

She has brought light and joy to my life. I believe God brought us together for a reason. So, I am going to help her the only way I know how - through my network of friends, family and colleagues.
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Ultimately, this medical expense fund is being setup for both Chris and Jill Vicino.  It will be used to pay medical bills and household expenses for the coming months. Let's come together and give them some peace and relief from the pressures life has given them. 

Here's their story....
In April, Chris was enjoying a weekend of fun when he suffered a debilitating fracture to his spine in an ATV accident. With his hand casted, his body broken and braced, he prepared for the long road to recovery with Jill by his side . To further complicate things, he was transitioning between jobs and not eligible for insurance. Anyone who has ever had to live without insurance can appreciate the financial devastation that ensues. To help sustain the household and keep ahead of the financial demands, Jill works part-time and continues as a full time student, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Despite an incredibly stressful time of studies, working and caring for her husband with doctor's appointments, MRIs and rehab,  Jill managed to maintain her home, cook meals and made time for her friends. She even fostered pets for rescue!!! (Seriously, who does all that?????)

Despite tight finances, faith sustained them as they struggled and pulled through for Jill to continue in school and Chris to started back to work this past Monday.  They persevered.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Last year,  Jill started to experience some unusual symptoms. Continual hearing loss, headaches and some ringing in her ears. In typical fashion, she focused on helping others before helping herself. The irony is that nursing school is what prompted her to determine the source of her symptoms. It's when she began to realize that something bigger may be at play. After meeting with her doctors and a series of tests, she was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. It is 3cm in size and pressing on her brain stem. She will need surgery.

Mostly, She will need prayers. 

This is a very high-risk surgery and will require the most skilled surgeons. God has given her the most amazing doctors and she has faith in their calling. They will be performing her surgery on August 10th. She will be in the ICU for 5-7 days, then heading to a floor for continued care. Depending on the surgical outcome, she could potentially require rehabilitation services. 

Chris will continue to work but he is just beginning to regain his health. As her "village", we must come together and help them through this most difficult time. 

You may be asking yourself - what can I do to help?

TWO THINGS: 
1) Please donate!! $5, $10 - whatever you can give would help them enormously! You will be helping them regain their financial security, payoff the enormous medical bills and give them the peace they need to focus on overcoming these trials God has placed before them! Let's raise 25K to help them give them some relief, some reassurance and some 

2) Pray. Get down on your knees and pray. Prayers for healing. Prayers for the surgeons. Prayers for no complications. Prayers for strength.  Everyone can pray. 

Galatians 6:10
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.