<div>ETA:
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<div>This journey has taken more twists and turns than I ever imagined. This surgery journey turned into a disability journey while navigating my ever-growing list of conditions, specialists, and appointments. L
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<div>We are still down to a single income and every little bit helps. I was just denied again for disability so we have to appeal and most likely go to court from here. 
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<div>The stresses of money and daily life seem to mount as the medical part of life doesn't ever stop.  
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<div>Thank you for all that have read our story and helped. I was hoping to have a more positive update a year out from surgery, but that isn't in the cards yet. 
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<div>Help Us Heal: Emergency Medical Fund for Chronic Illness, Surgery, Recovery &amp; Stability
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<div>Hi, I’m Jes — a wife, mom, and classroom assistant that works with special needs students trying to stay afloat through a long season of medical crisis. After years of being dismissed, I finally got close to answers… only to wake up from surgery and be told they couldn’t proceed. The endometriosis was too severe — and now, I’m facing a second, much more invasive surgery with higher risks, no stable income, and mounting debt from months of chronic illness and missed work.
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<div>We’re asking for help getting through the next few months of survival and recovery, so our family doesn’t completely fall apart in the process.
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<div>The Short Version
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<div>We’re facing an overwhelming onslaught of medical challenges, missed income, and rising debt. After a failed surgery revealed severe endometriosis and possible organ complications, I now have to undergo a second, more intensive surgery involving multiple organs. We’ve already fallen behind from months of lost pay due to chronic illness, and now we’re at a breaking point. <strong>Any support helps us stay afloat during recovery.</strong>
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<div>Timeline of Medical &amp; Financial Strain
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<div>Jan–May 2025: Missed 1–3 days nearly every week due to chronic illness flare-ups, testing, specialist appointments — plus a full 2-week medical leave during a major flare
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<div>May 21, 2025: Attempted surgery ended early due to severity — surgeon had to close me up after discovering widespread endometriosis, cysts, and many adhesions
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<div>May 24–June 4: ER visit with colitis symptoms from inflammation; continuing pain &amp; worsening health
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<div>June 11: Pre-admission appointment (1 hr away)
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<div>June 19: Consult with new specialist surgeon
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<div>June 20: GI specialist appointment
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<div>June 24, 2025: Major surgery — total hysterectomy, 3 bladder procedures, possible appendectomy, possible bowel surgery depending on how tissue removal goes, and risk of colostomy
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<div>Post-surgery: Unpaid time off for recovery, hospital stay, and ongoing follow-ups. Husband also nearing unpaid leave from work due to caregiving
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<div>Why We're Asking for Help
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<div>This isn’t just about one surgery. <strong>Chronic illness has been draining our time, health, and finances for years — but 2025 hit especially hard:</strong>
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<div>I’ve had to take time off nearly every week since January for flare-ups, testing, and medical prep
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<div>I used up all my sick leave and had many days of unpaid FMLA before the first surgery
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<div>Despite now being on summer stretch pay, we’re still behind — and if I have to resign due to my health, my pay will likely end in July
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<div>If I manage to stay hired without working, pay will likely end in August due to lack of remaining leave
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<div>We were already falling behind before surgery, and now we’re facing a possible hospital stay and a long recovery — with even more expenses for:
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<div>Specialist copays
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<div>Travel (2 hrs roundtrip for most appointments)
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<div>Medical supplies &amp; OTC treatments
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<div>Imaging, labs, pre-op &amp; post-op care
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<div>Recovery accommodations (gas, groceries, pet/kid care)
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<div>My husband Tyler, our main source of income, will be taking unpaid leave the day of surgery and after to care for me and the kids — losing his pay during this critical time will be devastating
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<div>All these factors combined have created a financial gap we cannot bridge alone
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<div>We’re trying to survive while I heal, pay down growing medical bills, and stabilize our home. We’re worn out — emotionally, physically, and financially.
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<div>We know $7,800 is a big number — but it reflects the reality of trying to stabilize a household of five after months of chronic illness, medical leave, and emergency surgery prep. This isn’t just about the surgery itself — it’s about surviving the gap and rebuilding our footing while we recover.
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<div>Fundraising Goal
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<div>Fundraising Goal: $7,800
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<div>Expense Area Estimated Cost
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<div>Past-due bills (rent, utilities, etc.) $1,500
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<div>Gas + travel for appointments $300
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<div>Surgery-related medical costs $1,500
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<div>Groceries + recovery supplies $800
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<div>Lost income (pay missed over months due to chronic illness, medical appointments, and recovery—this gap between earnings and expenses has contributed significantly to our current financial hardship) $1,300
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<div>Husband’s unpaid leave (caregiving day of and after surgery, main source of income) + possible extended time off $1,500
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<div>Emergency cushion (extra time off, unexpected expenses, etc.) $900
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<div>Every Little Bit Helps
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<div>Whether it’s $5, a share, or just a kind message — it all means the world to us. <strong>This year has been full of grief, physical pain, and hard decisions — but your support could give us one less thing to worry about.</strong>
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<div>Thank you for reading, supporting, or sharing. Truly.
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<div>Jessica and the Cooper Family
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Help Our Family Stay Afloat Surgery & Recovery & Disability

Help Our Family Stay Afloat Surgery & Recovery & Disability

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