Donation protected
In life we are sometimes given the fortunate opportunity to meet someone so charismatic, and charming the room seems to light up when they enter. For me I was infinitely more fortunate, because when I met that person, she became my best friend and life partner, Jolene.
But beneath Jolene’s radiant smile and infectious laugh, there are hidden demons. Jolene has suffered from Ulcerative Pancolitis since her childhood, and she can scarcely remember a time where she considered things to be “normal.” Even on her best day she is plagued with constant pain and discomfort, with the threat of Colitis flare-ups and other acute symptoms always lurking around the corner. Her constant health issues have always been a major disturbance in her life, but last year they brought her normal activities of going to work and completing daily tasks to a grinding halt, and her income along with it. Today we are asking you, our friends, family, and kind strangers who feel moved by our story, for any support you can offer to help with the doctor’s bills, therapy, medication, and cost of living we can no longer keep up with.
Jolene is a talented educator, creative artist, loving aunt, skilled gardener, and dedicated yogi. Since her original diagnosis at the age of 10, she has perpetually struggled with diets, medications, health regimens, and an uncountable number of weekly doctor appointments. She has received innumerable treatments and surgeries to mitigate the damaging effects of her Colitis as well as other lifelong issues she has developed as a result; but relief is often transient and mild at best. Many of these therapies were introduced prior to and during puberty, due to that Jo’s development was irreversibly altered causing new symptoms so far-reaching they almost appear to be unrelated. The effects of this disease have truly altered the entire course of Jolene’s life.
Although she is the most resilient person I know, Jolene is constantly challenged by doing things which are commonplace to most of us. Driving a car, spending time with the people she loves, or even just getting ready in the morning should be easy for someone so intelligent, driven, and organized. But due to constant health complications, Jo was repeatedly forced to miss large spans of time at work/school (as well as casual time with family and friends) with disturbing regularity. More recently she suffered from bacterial infections from a weak and overextended immune system, which has presented its own unique brand of setbacks.
As bad as these physical maladies can get, the mental strain is equally as detrimental to her quality of life. The continuous cycle of progress and decline makes efforts seem futile and hope impossible. Even worse is the invisible nature of her ailment - because the only thing more painful than being told “you look terrible” when you are in excruciating pain, is being told “you look fine.”
And so, after a lifetime of tears and sleepless nights, and based on the recommendations of counselors and medical professionals, Jo was forced to accept her physical limitations and leave a job she loved and was incredibly gifted at. I have always supported my wife, and I stood by her when she finally admitted to herself that this is what she needed. Now we must face the reality of what that means. With our household income drastically reduced, and medical bills mounting, we are asking for whatever help you may offer, to make ends meet. We thank you for any assistance you are willing or able to provide which will help to alleviate concerns and provide peace of mind by securing funds for co-pays, medications, monthly expenses, and ongoing therapies.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Jolene and Steve
But beneath Jolene’s radiant smile and infectious laugh, there are hidden demons. Jolene has suffered from Ulcerative Pancolitis since her childhood, and she can scarcely remember a time where she considered things to be “normal.” Even on her best day she is plagued with constant pain and discomfort, with the threat of Colitis flare-ups and other acute symptoms always lurking around the corner. Her constant health issues have always been a major disturbance in her life, but last year they brought her normal activities of going to work and completing daily tasks to a grinding halt, and her income along with it. Today we are asking you, our friends, family, and kind strangers who feel moved by our story, for any support you can offer to help with the doctor’s bills, therapy, medication, and cost of living we can no longer keep up with.
Jolene is a talented educator, creative artist, loving aunt, skilled gardener, and dedicated yogi. Since her original diagnosis at the age of 10, she has perpetually struggled with diets, medications, health regimens, and an uncountable number of weekly doctor appointments. She has received innumerable treatments and surgeries to mitigate the damaging effects of her Colitis as well as other lifelong issues she has developed as a result; but relief is often transient and mild at best. Many of these therapies were introduced prior to and during puberty, due to that Jo’s development was irreversibly altered causing new symptoms so far-reaching they almost appear to be unrelated. The effects of this disease have truly altered the entire course of Jolene’s life.
Although she is the most resilient person I know, Jolene is constantly challenged by doing things which are commonplace to most of us. Driving a car, spending time with the people she loves, or even just getting ready in the morning should be easy for someone so intelligent, driven, and organized. But due to constant health complications, Jo was repeatedly forced to miss large spans of time at work/school (as well as casual time with family and friends) with disturbing regularity. More recently she suffered from bacterial infections from a weak and overextended immune system, which has presented its own unique brand of setbacks.
As bad as these physical maladies can get, the mental strain is equally as detrimental to her quality of life. The continuous cycle of progress and decline makes efforts seem futile and hope impossible. Even worse is the invisible nature of her ailment - because the only thing more painful than being told “you look terrible” when you are in excruciating pain, is being told “you look fine.”
And so, after a lifetime of tears and sleepless nights, and based on the recommendations of counselors and medical professionals, Jo was forced to accept her physical limitations and leave a job she loved and was incredibly gifted at. I have always supported my wife, and I stood by her when she finally admitted to herself that this is what she needed. Now we must face the reality of what that means. With our household income drastically reduced, and medical bills mounting, we are asking for whatever help you may offer, to make ends meet. We thank you for any assistance you are willing or able to provide which will help to alleviate concerns and provide peace of mind by securing funds for co-pays, medications, monthly expenses, and ongoing therapies.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Jolene and Steve
Organizer and beneficiary
Steven Rein
Organizer
North Tonawanda, NY
Jolene Rein
Beneficiary