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In 2005, Jessica began experiencing sharp pains in her stomach and unbearable cramping. After 2 years of doctor's appointments and dramatic weight loss, Jessica was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and began her lifelong battle in 2007.
Over the years, Jessica has tried numerous treatments with horrible side effects. Some of those treatments include: corticosteroids, immune system modifiers, antibiotics, and anti inflammatory drugs. Side effects include: bone thinning, muscle loss, skin problems, increased risk of infection, headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset.
Crohn's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disease that forces the body to attack itself. It is found in fewer than 200,000 US cases per year.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes will come on suddenly, without warning. You may also have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms (remission). Crohn's disease can go into remission but currently has no cure.
Symptoms include: Diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping due to inflammation and ulceration of intestines, nausea, vomiting, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, weight loss, perianal disease, fistulas, and constipation that can lead to bowel obstructions.
Nearly 10 years later, at the age of 27, Jessica has obtained a bachelors degree in child development through Southeast Missouri State University, and uses her knowledge to work with families and provide them with the resources and encouragement that they need to reach their full potential. She is dedicated to a lifetime of serving her community and working with the kinds of people she loves most, children. She recently married the love of her life and underwent major surgery to remove the disease ridden organs from her body, as she had exhausted all other treatments. She was referred to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. There is only two things holding her back: recovering from surgery and repaying massive amounts of medical bills due to ongoing complications and procedures.
With your help, we can lift one of those burdens.
If you cannot donate, it is Jessica's wish that you share her story to spread awareness.
Over the years, Jessica has tried numerous treatments with horrible side effects. Some of those treatments include: corticosteroids, immune system modifiers, antibiotics, and anti inflammatory drugs. Side effects include: bone thinning, muscle loss, skin problems, increased risk of infection, headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset.
Crohn's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disease that forces the body to attack itself. It is found in fewer than 200,000 US cases per year.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes will come on suddenly, without warning. You may also have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms (remission). Crohn's disease can go into remission but currently has no cure.
Symptoms include: Diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping due to inflammation and ulceration of intestines, nausea, vomiting, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, weight loss, perianal disease, fistulas, and constipation that can lead to bowel obstructions.
Nearly 10 years later, at the age of 27, Jessica has obtained a bachelors degree in child development through Southeast Missouri State University, and uses her knowledge to work with families and provide them with the resources and encouragement that they need to reach their full potential. She is dedicated to a lifetime of serving her community and working with the kinds of people she loves most, children. She recently married the love of her life and underwent major surgery to remove the disease ridden organs from her body, as she had exhausted all other treatments. She was referred to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. There is only two things holding her back: recovering from surgery and repaying massive amounts of medical bills due to ongoing complications and procedures.
With your help, we can lift one of those burdens.
If you cannot donate, it is Jessica's wish that you share her story to spread awareness.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Kruger
Beneficiary