Jocelyn's Medical Expenses

On July 22, 2016, 46-year-old Jocelyn was taken to the ER and then hospitalized after experiencing a sudden and inexplicable onset of confusion and disorientation. After a series of tests, doctors found that she had been unknowingly suffering serious brain trauma caused by an ongoing series of ischemic strokes. Mild in its infancy stages, the strokes had gone unnoticed for at least a year before she was taken to the ER that day. Unfortunately, the neurological damage was far worse than ever imagined and was only the beginning of what would be followed by several more episodes of strokes, seizures, cognitive and visual impairment, multiple medical procedures including brain biopsy surgery, only to end with painstaking uncertainty and no definitive diagnosis.

Just five days after being released from the hospital on July 27, Jocelyn was again rushed to the hospital after being blindsided by a set of violent seizures. She was sent home the same day, but awakened at home the following morning struck with an abrupt and severe loss of vision. Confined to her home, it was just two weeks later that she would find herself rushed to the ER in the middle of the night.

On August 10, 2016, Jocelyn blacked-out and collapsed at home. When the ambulance arrived at her home, she awakened with no idea where she was or what had happened. Admitted to the hospital again, she was told that she had suffered another series of strokes and a silent seizure causing her to lose consciousness.

Upon her arrival to the local hospital, Jocelyn suffered severe memory loss and other cognitive deficits, including the ability to understand simple commands. She was then transported to the Special Care Unit at the regional Stroke Center in Redwood City, a unit specially trained in caring for severe stroke victims. After undergoing a variety of tests, the doctors were able to find that the arteries in her brain were inflamed, restricting blood flow. On August 18, 2016, she underwent a brain biopsy, whereby the surgeon removed a small part of the damaged brain tissue in hopes of finding the cause of this inflammation. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed no answers meaning that no definitive treatment would be possible.

Today, Jocelyn's unknown condition remains untreated and, for now, she is unable to return to work.

Jocelyn is the Financial Aid Program Services Coordinator and Foster Youth Liaison at Skyline College, San Bruno CA. She also works part-time for Each One Reach One (EORO) as the GED Study Hall Manager conducted at the San Mateo Juvenile Hall. Her life's work is helping children and young adults access and peruse higher education. To her, being unable to return to work has been just heartbreaking. She loves what she does and looks forward to returning as soon as possible.

After meeting with her newly assigned neurologist at the Stanford Stroke Center, Jocelyn was informed that it would take at least 12 months to recover and rebuild her cognitive and speech skills.

Some of this treatment will be covered through insurance, which has covered a great deal, and for which she is more than grateful.  However, getting the extra care and treatment she needs, including long-term speech, physical and psychological therapy extends beyond her coverage and the bills are mounting.

Jocelyn appreciates all of the support and love she is receiving.  Please consider any small donation towards her full recovery.

Thank you!