Strength for Sherri and Her Boys

Hello! I am Kim and I am raising money for my dear friend Sherri Ross to help provide any assistance to pay for bills in this very difficult time of need.

Sherri and her family have not had the easiest road medically as Jarod has had some previous medical problems impacting his ability to work. Unfortunately, this past year proved to be no different, however additional challenges started to build up as well.

Within the last year, Sherri has lost her mother to cancer, her father has moved in with her to be cared for, all while her husband has been fighting his own battle with a cancer.

Jarod (Jer) was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and this past summer underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant.

In October, Jer was given the exciting news that he was in remission!

November, followed with a couple setbacks in illness and eventually needing his gallbladder removed.

Unfortunately, every time it seemed that there was light at the end of the dark tunnel called this past year, the punches continued to roll in.

From November until now, Jer has been in and out of the hospital which has significantly impacted Sherri’s ability to work and provide for the household.

Sherri has not been able to be home very much this holiday season due to staying at the hospital and this also means that they have not been able to spend much time with their twin 8 year old boys.

All of this has had a significant impact on not only the family and work, but being able to pay for necessities to keep up on the bills for the home and daily living.

Presently, we are asking for prays and any support possible for the Ross family as Jer is currently inpatient at OSU fighting for his life. He was diagnosed with strep last week and that turned septic. He has had multiple extensive debridement surgeries on his arm where the infection was.

12/22/24

Jarod was showing some drops in kidney function due to his blood sugar going through the roof when he was in the ER last week. The decision was made to hold off on another trip to operating room today. His blood sugar is showing some good improvement and other labs are headed in the right direction. He’s tolerating the dressing changes 3 times a day though certainly not fun for him. He has a feeding tube now as he’s experiencing a lot mental fogginess that is making swallowing too difficult.

12/23/24

Surgery was a no go again. This time was due to a really high sodium level.

Jarod has a nice visit from family today that nourished his soul and filled his heart.

From Sherri as she discusses this journey and her feelings of gratitude and love she wanted to say “thank you to everyone who shared and contributed to the Gofundme. The generosity and kind words from all of you has left me in awe. I think that is going to take me a few days to really process it.”

12/24/24 We met the initial goal! Thank you everyone! I have bumped up the goal a little. We want to thank everyone for your continued support and generosity. Sherri has expressed how she’s completely “blown away” at the response and kind words and love from everyone ♥️. So many people have also reached out to help with presents and food, it truly has been amazing. Please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming!

12/25/24 Merry Christmas! While this isn’t the “typical” Christmas you’d expect… what is? The Ross family is so blessed that Jarod is getting the best care. Sherri was able to get home to spend Christmas morning with the boys while our good friend Alice hangs out with Jer this morning. There was no specific timeline given at this point for the next steps, however he’s had 2 surgeries to clear infection and dead tissues and expected to have 2 more before reconstruction work can begin.

12/25/24 Surprise! Jarod finally had his 3rd surgery on Christmas night at 7pm. Previously had delays when his labs wouldn’t cooperate or the OR was too busy. The surgery went well. His hand has been covered in a skin substitute. The wound on the back of his arm is closed up. A wound vac has been put on the largest wound on the inside of his arm. Healing will be a long journey but he’s headed in the right direction. Next surgery is this weekend. The best news is that the mental fog is clearing.

Also, thank you for all who have been supporting through all avenues! The second goal was also met! ♥️

12/26/24 He has been through hell and back the last 10 days. Every single thing he is used to doing on his own was taken away in the blink of an eye. There have been many bumps along the way and I’m sure there are more in his path. But he has handled the whole event with gratitude and graciousness. He never misses an opportunity to say thank you to every doctor, nurse, care assistant, therapist and housekeeper. Today he is sitting up in a chair and drinking a glass of ice water. Today is a good day.

1/8/25 -Sherri from the bedside!

We’re 3 weeks into this hospital stay. It feels like a super long time but at the same time so much has happened. The first few days were very scary as the strep infection and sepsis were unfolding and he was very sick. He’s had 4 surgeries already. He’s been diagnosed with adenovirus which paired with the GVHD he already had, created a mess with his digestive track. Various other complications along the way. A lot of IV medications that couldn’t happen at home. He’s had a lot of blood and platelet transfusions too. So even though some days feels like we’re just twiddling our thumbs his body has been on a major journey and he is getting closer to baseline every day. Thanks for all your continued prayers and support.

1/9/25

Surgery #5 today! All went well and as expected. Hand is looking good. Skin substitute

added to his upper arm wound. Wound vac is on.

1/20/25

Well at the end of last week, it seemed like it was just a matter of lining up a couple things with insurance for discharge to happen but then life had other plans as it so often does. Jarod has developed some redness and swelling in his right arm/hand that the surgeons have been watching closely over the weekend. They have decided to head back to the operating room today for a closer look and good wash out to make sure another infection isn’t lurking. He’s handling the disappointment as well as anyone possibly could and we’re grateful for the dedicated and capable staff at The James. We’re not sure what time he’ll head to the OR but I’ll post an update later. Appreciate all your support as we hit another bump in this journey.

0127/2025

Jerry emerged from the BMT ward for the first time today to hang in the family lounge. He soaked up some much needed time with his sister and folks. He got to hug his boys for the first time in 24 days. Special shout out to Uncle Brian for keeping the boys entertained with 9 intense rounds of Uno so the grown ups could talk. Jer is making good progress and awaiting the surgery team to decide what’s next for him. Pretty sure a visit with some of his very favorite people and cookies from his Momma are just what he needed.

There are at least 6 different departments working with him and we know he is in the best place!

(You can follow Jarod’s Journey on Facebook)