Boost Theresa’s strength in her recovery!

I am Theresa Stopyak's sister, Jackie.

Thank you for taking a moment to read my sisters story. For many years she has battled Crohns and arthritis and struggled in silence. She’s a wife, mom of 3 and the backbone of our family.

The path to find proper medication has been long and has brought additional auto immune issues; more illness. The past few years she has spoken out; hoping her path will help others learn from her experience. From medications with horrible side effects to giving up gluten. Which was no easy task, as she is a phenomenal cook and baker.

A situation that was viewed as a blessing and a curse, she bumped her head and blacked out roughly 8 years ago. At the urging of our Mom, Theresa went to the ER. The mild concussion was mild in comparison to the meningioma that was found. This discovery was truly a blessing. It allowed her to track the progress. Prevent catastrophic damage. After annual MRIs, it was determined that it was time to have it removed.

The craniotomy to remove a brain tumor was performed on 6/5. We are thankful she had it done, as the tumor was significantly larger than the surgeon had anticipated.

Her recovery was going well, slow to heal but progress was made. Then the auto immune diseases started to flare. She had to get off all medicine before the surgery. As they weaken her immune system and significantly reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. The flare has set her back significantly. She now is starting over with her fight against Crohns, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This fight that she just recently started to manage.

It isn’t only the illness that has piled high, it is also the medical bills. Over the past 3 years her family has spent over $35K on medical bills. She doesn’t have the surgery bill yet. But I know she is very worried. Combine all of that with the illness that prevents my sister from being able to work; you may now understand why I decided to start this fund.

Theresa’s 50th birthday is in 2 weeks. She had hoped to spend her special day in Michigan with friends and family, but surgery needed to happen ASAP. So that trip was cancelled. Just adding to her stress. Cancelling plans is par for the course for someone with her health issues.

She is a strong woman, I honestly don’t know how she manages to deal with all of this and carry on with a smile! She is always the first person to step up to help, be there when needed and share amazing baked goods.

She cared for our Mom in her final months; on call 24/7 and expected to perform highly skilled nursing tasks. This took strength I didn’t have and I truly don’t know how she made it through. She stood strong as our Mom succumbed to her illness. At the same time, she cared for our grandfather who lived next door to her. Ten years she spent caring for our Grandpa, through the ups and downs. She journaled much of their story on line. It was truly a remarkable time for him. She cared for him until he passed in 2021. All of this while she took care of her own family, ran her business and continued to struggle with her health.

It has been so hard to watch her journey. Going from a strong independent woman to seeing her shield melt away as the diseases stacked and the bills piled high.

I want to help her make this a good year ahead. She turns 50 in 2 weeks. Putting a smile back on her face is critical. If you can help me, together we can lift some of the stress so she can focus on her health and feel the love and support around her.

Medical costs have already hit $15K for the year. She anticipates the brain surgery will cost an additional $5K. Doctor appointments and blood work are lined up. All necessary to get her back on track. Providing this help will allow Theresa the appropriate time to heal and get her health on track. She has polished her resume and is ready to head back into the workforce. Hoping to continue her Norwex business on the side.

Theresa isn’t the type of person to EVER ask for help. I know that this is humbling for her and has brought tears. In the same breath, relief and appreciation is where her heart lies.

If not monetary, your prayers and well wishes are graciously appreciated and cherished. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jackie Park