The Meng Family

Hi, my name is Katie Neilson and I’ve been a long time friend of Kali and JT’s. If you know the Mengs, you know they are some of the funniest and best people out there. Due to JT’s health issues he has been unable to work for some time. Kali just began a full time nursing program in May so that she can eventually support their family as a full time nurse. They have four children and a lot of expenses. Many have asked how they can help during this difficult time and I feel one of the best and easiest ways is to help ease the burden of financial strain. Please read Kali’s post below about JT’s health journey and donate if possible. If you’d rather donate through Venmo, you can send money to @kali-meng . Thank you for all the love and support on behalf of the Meng family. We love them dearly!

12 years ago JT was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, shortly after he began battling debilitating migraines. These things alone were beyond overwhelming and took our life in an unexpected, painful, and especially lonely direction for him as he spends countless hours laying in a dark room. BUT if you know JT then you know He continued to put forth immense efforts to build a career and be there as a husband and a father despite feeling insanely awful 99% of the last decade.

- In March of 2021 we found out that he also has primary sclerosing cholangitis, a liver disease causing inflammation of the bile ducts, which eventually leads to liver failure and has no treatment other than liver transplant. That in and of itself was terrifying but apparently was less pressing than other complications.

- Patients who have both UC and PSC have a very high chance of developing colon cancer, leading to bi annual colonoscopies to check for precancerous/cancerous cell growth. Jts last colonoscopy showed abnormal cell growth with a 40% chance he already has cancer they just didn't take biopsies from the correct location. Tomorrow he will be having his colon removed. Please keep him and our family in your thoughts as we navigate these scary and heartbreaking times that we can't seem to catch a break from We love him SO much and hope that the surgery goes well and that he recovers quickly with no complications. Feel free to send him an encouraging message but know that he probably won't respond back... its not personal he's just the worst at that