Aid Jesse's Path to Healing and Mobility (Medical Bills)

Imagine waking up one morning and feeling a pain in your right side, and shortly after you realize you can't feel or move your right leg.... that's the short version of what happened to our friend Jesse (Law) Naessens.

On Monday, February 10th, she was at work when she felt a sharp pain just below her ribs on the right side. Shortly after, her leg started to feel numb. She went to the local ER where they ran several tests, all coming back normal. They gave her muscle relaxers with the impression she had a pinched nerve, and they sent her home with instructions to follow up with her primary care doctor.

By Wednesday morning, when she was able to find a provider where she could cash pay for a follow-up (Jesse currently doesn't have health insurance), her entire right side from ribs to toes was numb, and she couldn't move it at all. At this point, it had also spread to her left leg, from the knee down. She could still move her left leg and put weight on it, but it was numb. She went to the follow-up appointment where the primary care provider advised her to return to the ER.

Jesse went to another ER with her advancing symptoms, and more tests were run, still normal, but the doctors were worried and admitted her to the hospital for further evaluation by a neurologist, as they were worried she may have had some kind of stroke.

Jesse spent a week in the hospital where they ran a laundry list of tests. She had a CT scan, x-rays, 4 MRIs, a lumbar puncture, and endless bloodwork. Still no definitive answers, only guessing, and treating her symptoms. They began treating her with steroids to reduce the inflammation around her spine, and after 6 days of steroids, she was finally able to somewhat move her right leg, but still cannot put weight on that leg. While in the hospital, physical therapy began working with her to get moving again (ever so slowly), but there were still no answers.

Jesse was released from the hospital on Thursday, February 20th. She still cannot put weight on her right leg, and both legs are still tingly (like they have fallen asleep and won't wake up), but she is able to get around with the assistance of a walker. She was approved for 2 free in-home physical therapy visits, but will need more physical therapy as well as follow-up appointments with specialists, possibly more testing, and no one knows how long it will be until she fully recovers.

While Jesse is home and somewhat mobile, she has a long road to recovery. After a week's stay in the hospital without any health insurance, the medical bills have started coming in and with a lot of physical therapy and future doctor visits ahead, the medical costs will continue to come.

Her friends have set up this GoFundMe in hopes to alleviate some of the financial burden as she focuses on recovery. 100% of the donations received will go to pay off medical bills and cover future therapy, treatment, and appointments. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!