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Jessica's Transverse Myelitis Fund

Jessica, my 14 year old daughter, woke up on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 completely paralyzed from the waist down. After rushing her to the ER at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, TN, she was diagnosed her with a rare spinal condition called Transverse Myelitis or (TM). This is after we were turned away the day before from a different hospital in Nashville to address her sudden leg and foot pain.

Upon her admission to Vanderbilt's ER, Jessica was quickly given many tests including hours of MRI's and a Spinal Tap. Eventually we were told about TM, after ruling out MS. The antibodies in her body are attacking the lining of her spinal cord - TM causes a host of symptoms, mostly pain and loss of motor skills.

Jessica has been a healthy, athletic 14 year old girl and then overnight she woke up paralyzed. She recently joined the tennis team at her school. We've been told it could be weeks before she regains any movement in her legs and months before she can walk again. There is also a chance she may never walk again normally, if at all.

Jessica is an amazing daughter. She is respectful, concerned for others, giving, funny, and an honor student. Jessica is also an artist, plays guitar, and loves to listen to music. Now she is fighting for her ability to walk again!

No child deserves to go through this, especially not my Jessica. I am a single dad and unable to work since I am with her at the hospital 24/7. Jessica needs intensive physical therapy for a minimum of a month.

We are currently trying to find the right rehab facility for her. This rehab, we hope, will provide the resources for her to be on the road to recovery and be able to feel and use her legs again. Jessica is determined and positive and is looking forward to being "in the best shape of her life" again after her treatment.

Thank you!
Jeff
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Donations 

  • Sheila Hurst
    • $20 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Jeff Shainberg
Organizer
Nashville, TN

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