Jen's Medical Expenses
Donation protected
Written by Jen:
A few weeks after turning 29, I started experiencing my first symptoms. Fatigue, headaches, difficulty breathing among other things which led to canceling work as a therapist amid a global pandemic. At first, I thought the symptoms were a possible cold, but as they progressed, I feared that I had contracted Covid-19. During the first week of June my symptoms escalated. It became increasingly difficult to breathe and hard to keep my 6-year-old daughter and puppy active and satisfied by myself, let alone
work. Chest pain and muscle weakness continued as I awaited Covid-19 testing results. Thankfully, these results were negative.
On June 6th, it became increasingly difficult to breathe, I could barely talk, or move during one of the most terrifying moments of my life. An ambulance was called, and I was taken to the hospital. After several trips to the local emergency room I had to seek help elsewhere and was admitted to Hershey Medical Center for five days. There I was worked up with extensive testing with a multitude of scans, MRI, labs, and input from many specialists to figure what was going wrong with my body. Much was ruled
out; however, no conclusive diagnosis was made. I was discharged from the hospital with similar symptoms including tightness in my chest, headaches, and muscle weakness. During this time, I have
sought refuge with family to help me physically care for myself and my daughter. I have been unable to work as a therapist as one key symptom is becoming out of breath easily, dizziness, and an extreme fatigue. As I continue seeking medical answers from new specialists over the coming weeks, the reality of medical expenses and affording mortgage payments is just another factor that is in the back of my mind as a mother and providing for my family.
I am grateful to be alive and back home with my family, as at times in the hospital I prayed that would be my reality. Although not typically my nature to ask, let alone accept help, I have become forced to lean on others for support in every way during this time. Any help with bills and medical expenses would be greatly appreciated. I also appreciate those who have reached out with support thus far with meals and dog/childcare. You have all given me so much peace during this overwhelming time.
A few weeks after turning 29, I started experiencing my first symptoms. Fatigue, headaches, difficulty breathing among other things which led to canceling work as a therapist amid a global pandemic. At first, I thought the symptoms were a possible cold, but as they progressed, I feared that I had contracted Covid-19. During the first week of June my symptoms escalated. It became increasingly difficult to breathe and hard to keep my 6-year-old daughter and puppy active and satisfied by myself, let alone
work. Chest pain and muscle weakness continued as I awaited Covid-19 testing results. Thankfully, these results were negative.
On June 6th, it became increasingly difficult to breathe, I could barely talk, or move during one of the most terrifying moments of my life. An ambulance was called, and I was taken to the hospital. After several trips to the local emergency room I had to seek help elsewhere and was admitted to Hershey Medical Center for five days. There I was worked up with extensive testing with a multitude of scans, MRI, labs, and input from many specialists to figure what was going wrong with my body. Much was ruled
out; however, no conclusive diagnosis was made. I was discharged from the hospital with similar symptoms including tightness in my chest, headaches, and muscle weakness. During this time, I have
sought refuge with family to help me physically care for myself and my daughter. I have been unable to work as a therapist as one key symptom is becoming out of breath easily, dizziness, and an extreme fatigue. As I continue seeking medical answers from new specialists over the coming weeks, the reality of medical expenses and affording mortgage payments is just another factor that is in the back of my mind as a mother and providing for my family.
I am grateful to be alive and back home with my family, as at times in the hospital I prayed that would be my reality. Although not typically my nature to ask, let alone accept help, I have become forced to lean on others for support in every way during this time. Any help with bills and medical expenses would be greatly appreciated. I also appreciate those who have reached out with support thus far with meals and dog/childcare. You have all given me so much peace during this overwhelming time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Doughty
Organizer
Strasburg, PA
Jennifer Fay
Beneficiary