Christie's Medical Fund for Jay

Christie Riegelhaupt has been married to her husband Jay for 10 years. Within their first year of marriage, Jay was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease which effects the brain and spinal cord. For the next nine years Christie was his sole caregiver as his disease progressed ultimately becoming disabled, unable to walk and to work. They enjoyed their times together and had a good life despite the challenges. Catastrophe recently struck when Jay showed dramatic symptoms that led to a diagnosis of PML, a rare but serious brain virus that often results in severe disability or death. PML was a side effect of the MS drug, Tysabri,  that Jay had been on for 4 years.  After 16 nights at the hospital for tests and plasma exchange treatment Jay was transferred to acute rehab and now is in subacute rehab. Jay’s condition has worsened to the point where he needs total assistance. He keeps his eyes closed most of the time and has lost his ability to communicate. His condition is so poor that he is not able to complete rehab and insurance will most likely stop payment any day now as rehab is a requirement for payment. Jay needs care 24/7.  All family is small in number and out of state. Christie is working hard to secure long-term care for Jay and to find means to pay for it. She is on leave from her job but will need to return to work soon. Christie is grateful for the support she has already received from family, friends and her church family at Soncoast Community Church. Any help for Christie to help her husband is greatly appreciated.