G.I. Joe Medical Fundraiser
Donation protected
Our dear friends and family, we wanted to take this time to provide you with some updates regarding Joe’s medical condition. Back in Jan 2020, with your generosity, prayers, and support, Joe & I were able to travel to Hawaii for his medical referral under the care of Dr. Pearce at Straub Hospital. As a result of this evaluation, Dr. Pearce ruled out Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and diagnosed Joe with having Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Considering individuals with ADEM can develop into MS, Dr. Pearce concluded that continued neurology care in Guam was needed; we have followed these instructions & Joe has been under the care of Dr. Romel Carlos since Jan 2020 to Mar 2021 going through many various treatments that have been unsuccessful. While Dr. Carlos has been a tremendous help to us, he has exhausted all efforts to help Joe and in Mar 2021 he referred Joe to Stanford Headache Center where specialized care is available. After a long exhausting 5mos process of getting an authorization from the VA, finding a provider, and securing an appointment not to mention the restrictions of the pandemic, we finally secured an appointment of Oct 13 at Stanford Headache Center with Dr. Niushen Zhang.
Unfortunately, while all this was happening, Joe developed Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Aug 2021. Most recently, he became very ill and was hospitalized Sept 11-Sept 14 at Naval Hospital. CT scan of his chest and brain were done along with an echocardiogram. The CHF caused Joe to retain excess fluids throughout his body further causing him aspiration pneumonia. Under the supervision of Dr. Meteer at Naval Hospital, Joe was treated for his pneumonia and was immediately referred to a cardiologist here on Guam where we await an appointment with Dr. Paluzinski to commence further testing/treatment. Our goal is to hopefully obtain a “next level of care” referral approved by the VA for Joe to see a cardiologist at Stanford Medical Center considering we will be there for his neurology condition.
This update is just a brief overview of what has transpired since July 2019 at the onset of Joe’s condition. ‘til this very day, he continues to battle constant head pain, seizures, random impaired speech, he has lost his ability to write, and now having CHF just makes his daily struggles more complicated – but he is a true fighter!
If things weren’t already challenging, we received upsetting news that the VA has denied Joe’s travel benefits to California. This means cost associated with travel, lodging, and daily needs will be out of pocket. To help offset some of the expenses, we kindly ask for your help by giving a monetary donation; any amount is greatly appreciated as it will aid us in our efforts to continue with his care. Un Dangkulu Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase. Thank You very much.
Regardless of all that Joe’s endured, he continues to fight! Stubborn as an ox, G.I. Joe Ranger through and through, still helping others when he can, and we LOVE him ENDLESSLY! Please keep Joe and all those who are continuing to experience illness and pain in your prayers.
In love and heartfelt appreciation,
Jess and Kids (Melissa, Jessalynn, Tamieko, Christopher, Jerika, Jeremy)
Unfortunately, while all this was happening, Joe developed Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Aug 2021. Most recently, he became very ill and was hospitalized Sept 11-Sept 14 at Naval Hospital. CT scan of his chest and brain were done along with an echocardiogram. The CHF caused Joe to retain excess fluids throughout his body further causing him aspiration pneumonia. Under the supervision of Dr. Meteer at Naval Hospital, Joe was treated for his pneumonia and was immediately referred to a cardiologist here on Guam where we await an appointment with Dr. Paluzinski to commence further testing/treatment. Our goal is to hopefully obtain a “next level of care” referral approved by the VA for Joe to see a cardiologist at Stanford Medical Center considering we will be there for his neurology condition.
This update is just a brief overview of what has transpired since July 2019 at the onset of Joe’s condition. ‘til this very day, he continues to battle constant head pain, seizures, random impaired speech, he has lost his ability to write, and now having CHF just makes his daily struggles more complicated – but he is a true fighter!
If things weren’t already challenging, we received upsetting news that the VA has denied Joe’s travel benefits to California. This means cost associated with travel, lodging, and daily needs will be out of pocket. To help offset some of the expenses, we kindly ask for your help by giving a monetary donation; any amount is greatly appreciated as it will aid us in our efforts to continue with his care. Un Dangkulu Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase. Thank You very much.
Regardless of all that Joe’s endured, he continues to fight! Stubborn as an ox, G.I. Joe Ranger through and through, still helping others when he can, and we LOVE him ENDLESSLY! Please keep Joe and all those who are continuing to experience illness and pain in your prayers.
In love and heartfelt appreciation,
Jess and Kids (Melissa, Jessalynn, Tamieko, Christopher, Jerika, Jeremy)
Organizer
Jessica Atalig
Organizer
Tamuning, GU