Love for Jerry Mejia, one of my best friends!
Donation protected
My name is Marjorie Weinhagen. I met Jerry Mejia back in the early 2000s working at Target in Ventura California. He and I hit it off almost immediately. We always said if we weren't married by age 40 we would marry each other. We have seen each other through thick and thin. He got on a plane, even though he had never flown and was scared to death, to be in our wedding back in 2005. When my mom died a few years ago, Jerry immediately jumped on a plane and came to be by my side to see me through one of the hardest times in my life. Our friendship has never waivered even being thousands of miles apart over the past 20 years. He is easily the 6th member of our family and is loved dearly by us all.
But in August 2014, Jerry suffered a debilitating stroke. He did whatever the doctors recommended and worked hard to rehab his body and mind. He returned to work on October 14, 2014. The very next day at work his foot got caught on netting that was mistakenly left on the floor. October 15, 2014, was a day that changed his life. His injuries from this fall include 2 herniated discs in his lower back, 2 broken ribs, 2 more herniated discs in his neck, a broken clavicle, a ripped rotator cuff, chipped teeth, and a chipped chin. This injury resulted in him living in endless daily pain. Jerry has been unable to work since then.
The insurance company was informed of his injuries days later. They were told by doctors that Jerry would need countless surgeries, lots of physical therapy, chiropractor care, pain management and more. Yet they have done little to nothing, fighting the doctor's recommendations over and over again. In my opinion, they simply do not want to pay for the care needed and are using every excuse to delay his treatment. This has only caused the injuries to get worse and cause new ones. He has been classified as permanently disabled. He has been in court fighting the insurance company for years. They keep delaying his treatment and/or settlement for many different reasons.
Watching him go through the past 9 years has been utterly heartbreaking. He lives in a constant state of pain most of us could never imagine. He has had little to no income during the majority of this time. Only recently getting classified as permanently disabled. He now receives disability pay but it is not enough to live off of anywhere, let alone California. He recently underwent surgery to remove two cysts from the base of his spine. He is trying to stay calm and recover but he can't because he has suddenly found himself homeless. He was sleeping on a family member's couch. They have recently given him less than 2 weeks to find another place to live due to their own needs. He is scared and desperate. I would love for him to come to Minnesota and stay with us but he has two drains coming out of his tailbone to release the excess puss and blood in his wound. He was also informed by his attorney that he cannot see doctors here and must stay in California if he wants the insurance company to pay for any care.
We have sent Jerry money at every chance we can. I so wish we were able to give him more. I am truly worried for my dear friend. I am starting this go-fund me in hopes to raise enough money to get him a clean and safe place to stay until he heals and can regroup. Anything you can give is very much appreciated. I am sure he will be so embarrassed that I created this. But I just don't see any other way of helping him. He is alone and scared with no means to do anything to help himself. If you have any extra money and find it in your heart to donate I will forever be grateful to you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Marjorie Weinhagen
Organizer
St. Paul, MN
Jerry Ortiz mejia Jr
Beneficiary