Help Jess Live Her Dreams
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Scleroderma is an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself by producing too much collagen. There are an estimated 300,000 people affected in the United States. African-Americans are known to have a higher mortality rate. It can either attack your organs or your skin. When it attacks your skin, it becomes extremely tight, and in return this causes sores, joint pain, and immobility.
Every day I wake up and thank God for allowing me to see another day. Being diagnosed with Scleroderma has changed my entire outlook on life. I'm only 27 years old, but I have the immune system of a 65 year old. I've adapted to living my life in pain 24/7, all while losing my independence, and filing for Disability in the end of 2011. It's an indescribable feeling to not be able to wash your own hair, pour yourself a glass of water, or even cut your own food before your 30th birthday. In August 2014, I underwent a $60,000 stem cell procedure at the Bone Marrow Stem Cell Institute in Boynton Beach, FL to slow down the progression of the disease. That's how severe it was ravaging my body!
But guess what? I still live my life to the best of my ability. I've created a Facebook page where I support others going through the same journey. I love reaching out to the community and teaching strangers about Scleroderma. Which is why being on Channel 7 News last year was my biggest accomplishment, I'm graduating May 2015 with a Bachelor's in Public Administration. I also created my own website to help others understand Scleroderma better.
This year I hope to open my own nonprofit to better support other patients and plan events within the community to teach about this crazy disease. I'm tired of strangers gawking. I want the whole world to know! And they will. With your help. Please share this video to help spread awareness and get the word out about Scleroderma.
Any donation received will help with my goal of opening a nonprofit, help with medical expenses that insurance doesn't cover,
www.sclerodermastrong.org
Thank you for your time.
Every day I wake up and thank God for allowing me to see another day. Being diagnosed with Scleroderma has changed my entire outlook on life. I'm only 27 years old, but I have the immune system of a 65 year old. I've adapted to living my life in pain 24/7, all while losing my independence, and filing for Disability in the end of 2011. It's an indescribable feeling to not be able to wash your own hair, pour yourself a glass of water, or even cut your own food before your 30th birthday. In August 2014, I underwent a $60,000 stem cell procedure at the Bone Marrow Stem Cell Institute in Boynton Beach, FL to slow down the progression of the disease. That's how severe it was ravaging my body!
But guess what? I still live my life to the best of my ability. I've created a Facebook page where I support others going through the same journey. I love reaching out to the community and teaching strangers about Scleroderma. Which is why being on Channel 7 News last year was my biggest accomplishment, I'm graduating May 2015 with a Bachelor's in Public Administration. I also created my own website to help others understand Scleroderma better.
This year I hope to open my own nonprofit to better support other patients and plan events within the community to teach about this crazy disease. I'm tired of strangers gawking. I want the whole world to know! And they will. With your help. Please share this video to help spread awareness and get the word out about Scleroderma.
Any donation received will help with my goal of opening a nonprofit, help with medical expenses that insurance doesn't cover,
www.sclerodermastrong.org
Thank you for your time.
Organizer
Martine Massengale
Organizer
Pompano Beach, FL
