My name is Alex. I'm fundraising here on behalf of my brother, Adam Jimenez, to help him pay for recurring expenses he is facing while battling conditions known as Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction (EGJOO). I am creating this fund on behalf of my entire family in an effort to assist Adam in every way possible so that his focus remains only on his health. We can’t do this alone, and we really need your help.

In August of 2021, Adam noticed that he began to have trouble swallowing food. It was a general and mild problem at first, but within a month, it escalated to trouble breathing, throat tightness and difficulty swallowing nearly everything he ate and drank. Shortly thereafter, Adam began to experience chronic and often debilitating nausea, which he has been experiencing daily since the issue started. As a result, his ability to eat normally has been affected, and his quality of life has greatly diminished.

Since his diagnosis, Adam has lost over 35 pounds.

After seeing a Gastroenterologist, Adam was first diagnosed with EoE - a chronic disorder of the digestive system in which large numbers of particular white blood cells called Eosinophils are present in the Esophagus, causing inflammation and making it difficult for food to pass down through the esophagus. Furthermore, Adam was more recently diagnosed by a second Gastroenterologist with another condition known as EGJOO - a major esophageal motility disorder wherein the Lower Esophageal Sphincter fails to open up and from opening up to allow food to enter the stomach from the esophagus.

Through this affliction, Adam has seen three Gastroenterologists, three ENT doctors, multiple primary care physicians, two Chiropractors, and two Allergy Specialists. He is also currently trying to get onto a 12-week Wait List to visit the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN pending his current GI’s approval. So far, testing has included but is not limited to four endoscopies, two manometry tests, three barium swallow tests, a gastric emptying test, an allergy test, multiple trials of different high-dose PPI medicines, a steroid, and profound changes to his food diet. Adam is currently attempting to obtain a new FDA-approved medication for one of his conditions, but the medication has not yet been approved by his insurance and he faces the possibility of paying almost $10,000 dollars a month out-of-pocket.

Adam has broken down and seriously contemplated suicide multiple times.

The impacts of EoE and EGJOO on Adam’s life have been significant. Every single day is marked by an inability to eat or drink anything without constant unshakable nausea, depression, and anxiety. He works two part-time jobs as a Therapist, but given his rapidly declining health, he may have to give them up. Adam also struggles to maintain a healthy weight, cannot eat many solid foods, and faces the very real possibility of a feeding tube.

Adam is fighting this condition with strength and fortitude, and on his behalf, my family and I are really in need your help. He is working with several doctors and specialists to find a solution that may bring relief, making round-trip drives from Austin to Dallas and Houston each time he needs a test performed or his status assessed; these trips take up entire days, and he doesn’t have any sick leave. Unfortunately, the financial burden is becoming too much to bear for anyone; he shouldn’t have to worry about how he will pay for his medical expenses, travel costs, and the cost of missing work. No one should.

Adam has already spent well over $10,000 because of deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and procedures not covered by insurance. The nutrition drinks he has become reliant on for enough nutrients cost him nearly $500 a month. Every necessary trip he makes to Dallas or Houston for medical tests and procedures runs him close to $200 in gas, food, and lodging. As noted above, he’s looking at an additional $10,000 a month if insurance doesn’t cover the new FDA-approved drug he’s awaiting. Lastly, prospective recurring visits to the Mayo clinic in Rochester, MN are likely to run Adam thousands more in travel, lodging, and medical expenses. Like so many people in this country, we simply do not have the money for all these expenses, and we need your help, no matter how big or small.

If you know Adam, you know he is one of the kindest souls this world has. His gentle demeanor is an extension of our late father’s kindness. He drops everything to make sure everyone feels included, heard, and important. Nothing is more important to Adam than making sure no one feels left out. Right now, he needs you.

Adam has much bigger life experiences to focus on and so many more decades which he should be able to live out in good health - physically and mentally. Please help in any way you can, and please share with others who may be willing to offer any financial support or even just a few words of encouragement. It will make a world of difference to Adam and to all of us who love him.

Thank you.