Support for Jeshua Crook & His Family

Family and friends,

My name is Mysta. I am a close friend and longtime musical collaborator of Jeshua, as well as the godfather to his son, Malachi.

I originally created this GoFundMe on behalf of my dear friends Jeshua and Ansley Crook as their family began navigating major changes in Jeshua’s health.

Since this fundraiser was first created, Jeshua’s health, care needs, and the family’s financial circumstances have continued to change. We want this page to remain transparent and accurately reflect where the family stands today.

Jeshua is 33 years old, a husband, a father, a musician and creator, and someone who has spent much of his life helping other people.

He is currently living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), rapidly progressive dementia (RPD), and a longstanding history of autism. During a recent hospitalization, he was also treated for autoimmune encephalitis. His medical team continues evaluating his neurological picture while treating and managing the symptoms he is experiencing.

Jeshua’s symptoms have significantly affected both his physical and cognitive functioning. He experiences substantial memory difficulties and periods of confusion, along with weakness, mobility problems, changes in vision and hearing, episodes of incontinence, and other neurological symptoms. His symptoms and abilities can also fluctuate, meaning one day—or even one part of a day—can look very different from another.

Despite everything changing around him, Jeshua is still Jeshua. He still laughs. He still jokes. He still loves his family. He still has his faith. A good moment or good day does not erase the difficult ones.

Where Things Stand Today

Jeshua is now transitioning into palliative care.

We want to be clear that palliative care does not mean Jeshua is entering hospice at this time.

Palliative care is being added to help manage his symptoms, provide comfort, improve his quality of life, and support both Jeshua and his family while his medical care continues.

Jeshua is currently unable to work or drive and requires significantly more assistance than he did before. Ansley is helping manage his care, appointments, communication, and day-to-day needs while also caring for their children and keeping their household running.

Their family is taking everything one day at a time.

An Update on the Money Already Raised

We also want everyone who has donated—or is considering donating—to know where things currently stand financially.

The donations already received through this GoFundMe were used to help the family catch up on multiple months of past-due bills that accumulated as Jeshua’s health and cognitive difficulties worsened.

Those donations were a tremendous blessing and helped the family through a very difficult period.

There has also been some good news.

Jeshua’s Social Security disability benefits have been reinstated. The family has been told that it may take approximately 2–4 weeks for payments to begin again, although processing times can vary.

The family also receives housing assistance, and their rent is currently being covered. They receive SNAP/EBT assistance to help with eligible groceries.

We are sharing that openly because transparency matters. If someone chooses to give their hard-earned money to this family, we want them to understand what assistance is already in place and where help is still needed.

What Donations Are Helping With Now

Even with the assistance the family receives, there are still expenses that remain their responsibility.

Donations are helping bridge the gap while they wait for Jeshua’s disability payments to resume and are helping with needs such as:

• Electric and water bills

• Phone and internet service

• Transportation to Jeshua’s medical appointments and other essential trips

• Household and cleaning supplies

• Laundry supplies and toiletries

• Clothing and everyday necessities for their children

• Items needed for Jeshua’s care and comfort

• Other basic day-to-day household expenses

The family is also currently without a vehicle after voluntarily returning their previous vehicle. Until they are able to obtain another reliable vehicle, transportation to appointments and everyday necessities remains an additional expense.

As Jeshua’s disability income begins coming in and the family’s circumstances change, they will continue updating everyone so donors know where things stand and how support is being used.

Why I Wanted to Help This Family

Anyone who has known Jeshua for a long time knows that helping people is nothing new for him.

When I reached out to Jeshua during Hurricane Harvey about helping with relief efforts, he did not hesitate. He came to Baytown and Houston alongside the Cajun Navy, helping bring food, clothing, supplies, and assistance to people who had lost so much.

That is only one example.

Through music, community work, food drives, fundraisers, and simply showing up when somebody needed help, Jeshua has spent years trying to be there for other people.

Now he and his family are the ones who need a village around them.

How You Can Help

Financial donations are deeply appreciated, but money is not the only way to support this family.

Prayer is at the top of their list.

Sharing this fundraiser, following Jeshua’s journey, sending encouragement, providing a meal, helping with household necessities, or simply showing patience and understanding can mean more than people realize.

Some practical items the family can currently use include Ensure for days when Jeshua’s appetite is low, bottled water, coloring books and simple activities to help keep his mind engaged, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries, paper products, comfortable clothing and socks for Jeshua, necessities for the children, and help with meals.

Most importantly, please continue praying for Jeshua, Ansley, and their children.

They do not know exactly what every tomorrow will look like, but their faith has remained at the center of their family through everything they are facing.

Whether you donate $5, share this fundraiser, send something the family needs, or simply stop and pray for them, please know that your support is appreciated.

Jeshua has spent a lot of his life showing up for other people.

Now we have an opportunity to show up for him.

Same smile. Same heart. Still Jeshua.

Thank you for standing beside Jeshua, Ansley, and their family.

With love and gratitude,

Mysta