Bring Jane Back Home!
Donation protected
Everyone who knows Jane will remember her devotion to her family, her passion for literature, and her wit in political discussions. If you are a family friend, you are probably aware of the tragedy that struck her life this summer. If you have not met Jane personally, imagine an energetic, healthy woman, always positive and determined who was going to visit Italy with her husband Kent, her children Nick and Quentin, and their families. Jane was particularly eager to spend time with her beloved granddaughter Emily who would be her official guide and translator.
On the plane from Minneapolis to Paris, the first leg of the trip, Jane started to feel a strange tingling in her feet. By the time of landing in Paris, she was unable to walk and had to be evacuated from the plane in a wheel chair. She was taken in an ambulance to Robert Ballenger Hospital, near Charles de Gaul airport, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. In the span of a few days, her arms, torso, neck, and face progressively and quickly became completely paralyzed, preventing her, from communicating, and even blinking her eyes and breathing independently. At present, she is relying on a ventilator to breathe. She has also experienced pulmonary infection related to being on a ventilator.
The diagnosis has been terrifying: Guillain Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the peripheral nerves. She has a good overall chance of recovery, but the most optimist prognosis foresees many months before any substantial improvement can really be expected to occur.
While the situation is fluid, the pulmonary infections seems under control, and she has made some small steps towards recovery having regained some function in her facial and neck muscles. Her mind is fine and she is able to communicate again to some extent but not speak. The French doctors strongly suggest that she be repatriated soon. However, she will need special flight arrangements and specialized medical escort for the trip.
Her family has made the first steps to bring Jane back to Seattle and provide a long-term care during her recovery. As you can imagine, every day brings new medical, logistical, and financial decisions. It is reassuring to know that Kent, Quentin and Jessica, Nick, Francesca and Emily will not be alone in the long journey that awaits in front of them.
Thank you for your support.
On the plane from Minneapolis to Paris, the first leg of the trip, Jane started to feel a strange tingling in her feet. By the time of landing in Paris, she was unable to walk and had to be evacuated from the plane in a wheel chair. She was taken in an ambulance to Robert Ballenger Hospital, near Charles de Gaul airport, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. In the span of a few days, her arms, torso, neck, and face progressively and quickly became completely paralyzed, preventing her, from communicating, and even blinking her eyes and breathing independently. At present, she is relying on a ventilator to breathe. She has also experienced pulmonary infection related to being on a ventilator.
The diagnosis has been terrifying: Guillain Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the peripheral nerves. She has a good overall chance of recovery, but the most optimist prognosis foresees many months before any substantial improvement can really be expected to occur.
While the situation is fluid, the pulmonary infections seems under control, and she has made some small steps towards recovery having regained some function in her facial and neck muscles. Her mind is fine and she is able to communicate again to some extent but not speak. The French doctors strongly suggest that she be repatriated soon. However, she will need special flight arrangements and specialized medical escort for the trip.
Her family has made the first steps to bring Jane back to Seattle and provide a long-term care during her recovery. As you can imagine, every day brings new medical, logistical, and financial decisions. It is reassuring to know that Kent, Quentin and Jessica, Nick, Francesca and Emily will not be alone in the long journey that awaits in front of them.
Thank you for your support.
Co-organizers (2)
Cecilia Strettoi
Organizer
Seattle, WA
Nicholas Tolimieri
Beneficiary
Francesca Giambartolomei
Co-organizer