Support Kierra's Battle with Crohn's Disease

Hello friends and family. Most of those who will be reading this know that my daughter Kierra was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s Disease. I have included a link to a website below so you can learn about Crohn’s, but here is a brief narrative.

“Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling of the tissues (inflammation) in (the) digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition”

She was diagnosed on her 17th birthday, which is usually a birthday that is mostly overlooked, being that it is sandwiched between sweet 16 and legally becoming an adult. But nooooooo, we get to remember this birthday as the one that changed her life forever. It’s been over 5 years that she has struggled with this condition, but she has also bravely faced all of the challenges she has had to endure as a result of this debilitating disease.

Over those 5 years, she has experienced many health problems beyond the symptoms that are listed above.

She was admitted into Providence Medical Center for a 2-week stint late last year which was a little scary. However, within the last few months, she has made many trips to walk-in clinics and several visits to the emergency room with painful flare-ups and other unbearable complications. I have racked up quite the number of hospital visitor name tags.

She was told that she needed surgery and to have it as soon as possible, but it keeps getting pushed back due to scheduling conflicts, and that’s just the consultation. Who knows how long it will take to schedule the surgery.

We were in the hospital overnight until 6 this morning, and she was still released with little or no reassurance or comforting resolve, just short-term pain killers and muscle relaxers that only serves to temporarily relieve her symptoms.

It breaks my heart to see my little girl crying because of constant pain, fear of the unknown, and the damage to her quality of life when she was just trying to jump start her adult life.

Detailing Kierra’s challenges is not easy, but obviously vital to this summary so that you all know why I am reaching out to you to help her.

Beyond what is happening to her physically and emotionally, the “side effects” of her condition has compromised her ability to consistently be available to work. She has had to take a lot of time off because of all those clinic and emergency room visits, not to mention those days when she is in no condition to work.

She was let go from 2 jobs even though she fully disclosed her condition and warned of possible complications where she may need to take time off. Kierra is afraid that nothing will change and that this will keep happening.

So, with all of the medical bills, rent, insurance, other bills and living costs piling up without a reliable income as a direct result of her health problems, I am asking for you to help me help my little girl.

Believe me when I post the goal, it is not excessive. Inpatient stays, tests and procedures add up as I am sure you all know. We can’t relieve her physical pain, but maybe we can ease others.

Give $1,000, give a penny. I don’t care. Kierra and I will be forever grateful regardless.

It is not all doom and gloom. Kierra’s resolve, bravery, personality and humor help both of us to endure these challenging times. She will tell you that we are so alike, and we make each other laugh constantly when we spend daddy/daughter time together.

Thank for your attention and in advance for your donation.

Ken Wilson

Here’s the link I mentioned.

https://medlineplus.gov/crohnsdisease.html.