Gabi Jaeger's Lupus Journey

Hello everyone,

My name is Angela, and I am Gabi’s aunt. I am creating this fundraiser for my niece Gabi Jaeger who has lupus and many other health conditions. This fundraiser is to provide assistance for Gabi and her two kiddos while she waits for disability. Please continue to read-

About

Gabriel Jaeger is 29 years old and has two gorgeous kiddos, a daughter who’s 6 and a son that’s 8 years old. Gabi worked in the medical field for 8 years. She's found her job rewarding for being able to help those in need and to give quality care to our loved ones. She has always been very compassionate and puts others first before her own needs and decided that the medical field is a place that can be fulfilling.

Over the years, I’ve seen Gabi mature into a Christian woman who strives to provide the best loving home for her kids, especially, as a single mom. Gabi was very dedicated and committed to her work until her team of doctors said she can’t anymore. She has humbled her heart to understand that it’s okay, and more often than not, it takes a village to raise kids. I am seeing my niece struggle to ask for help, so I am for her.

She has a huge family and an even bigger Christian family. I’d love for all of us to pull together and assist Gabi as she has done for our loved ones but now cannot. Please read her journey and follow along with any new updates. Thank you and God Bless.

To my niece- Words of Wisdom

Gabi, let go and let God. God has you right where he wants you.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Gabi’s Journey

At the beginning of 2021, Gabi started to have severe health problems, which ultimately led her to go to Iowa City. After a long journey of poking, prodding, and several tests, Gabi was eventually diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, Discoid Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and Sjögren syndrome. Since then, Gabi has physically grown weak but is stronger in her walk with God. Recently, Gabi’s team of doctors recommends that she not work, not even part-time. Her social worker has recommended Gabi file for disability and is now a waiting game for approval, which can take anywhere from 3-9 months.

Gabi has been in and out of ERs, back and forth to Iowa City, has been hospitalized for weeks, went through chemo treatments, was diagnosed with stage 4/5 kidney failure, had a dialysis port put in place, several side effects from the steroids. Gabi’s physical and emotional roller coaster finally started seeing numbers slowly improving with the different medications, and we believe that God is telling Gabi to wait for dialysis treatment. Gabi has her good days and bad days, but not starting dialysis means that she sticks to the regimens and risks emergent dialysis, prolonging the inevitable.

Awareness

Systemic SLE Lupus- is an inflammatory autoimmune disease caused when the immune system attacks its tissues, affecting joints, skin, blood cells, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. There are no known cures and can potentially be life-threatening.

Discoid Lupus- is an autoimmune skin condition on the lupus erythematosus spectrum of illness. It can be painful and hair loss may occur.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome- is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack tissues in the body. These antibodies can cause blood clots that can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other conditions. Currently, there is no cure for this uncommon condition.