Ginger Jonas -Flesh Eating Bacteria
Donation protected
FLESH EATING BACTERIA DIAGNOSIS
THE JONAS FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP
On June 11, 2017 Ginger’s leg was on fire. She called her son in law, Brian and proceeded to tell him about her leg but had to disconnect the call because she had to throw up. Later that night she text her son (Stephan) a photo of her leg and said she felt as if it was on fire. He told her to get to the hospital immediately.
For the first 24 hours things were very unclear. The doctors were struggling to figure out what was happening with her body. What they knew was there was an infection running rampant but they didn’t know what was causing it. Ginger couldn’t breathe on her own and was placed on a ventilator, her heart was pumping weak, her kidneys stopped working and the rest of her organs were starting to shut down. Signs were not good and it was looking like hope was running out.
After further tests, the doctors concluded that she had contracted Necrotizing Fasciitis which started by her ankle and was taking over all her organs. They would give her 24 hours to respond to their treatments or they were going to have to start amputating one or both legs if necessary to save her life. It was difficult for her family to decide on her behalf between choosing LIFE or LIMB.
Necrotizing Fasciitis commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is an infection that results in the death of the body's soft tissue. It is a severe disease of sudden onset that spreads rapidly. There are fewer than 20,000 US cases per year.
A few days later there was little to no improvement and they started to make plans to amputate. If they could remove the leg, they could stop the spread of the bacteria. A team of Doctors were called in and one of the Doctors said he was not ready to give up yet. He thought he could try one more thing before removing her limb. The Doctor proposed to remove the flesh down to the bone trying to leave the tendons and muscles undamaged to eliminate the infected area. This was the last ditch effort and should this not work, amputation was necessary. Once the surgery was complete, Ginger was immediately started on dialysis while in recovery.
After days of uncertainty, Ginger’s body started to fight the infection, her body was accepting the antibiotics and things were looking a little better. On June 25th, Ginger was removed from the ventilator and she woke up after 10 days! Against all odds...with the prayers & support of family, friends and strangers, it is truly a miracle that she survived. She is awake and alert but will still be in the hospital for a while. The doctors are still waiting to see what will happen with her feet.
With only one income, times like these are difficult to keep up with bills. Jeff is working 2 jobs. 1 Job is Monday through Friday and the other is at night and on weekends. When he's not working- he's at the hostpial. The medical insurance came out Ginger’s paycheck (which she is no longer receiving). In order to keep up with the insurance Jeff (husband) must write a check on a weekly basis to ensure that medical coverage is covered for Ginger, himself, and Stephan. We don’t know how long she is going to be in the hospital for but it’s going to take time. She will have to go through physical therapy in order to get her legs and arms functioning again.
The Jonas family are very private people but we are at a point where there is no other option but to ask loving family, friends and other generous people for help. They don’t know that I’m creating this page for their help. Anyone that knows Ginger knows that she is the most loving and caring person and mother. She puts EVERYONE before herself. There is absolutely no amount that is too small. Every little bit will make a difference. Anything you can do will go towards giving Ginger her second chance at life.
This photo was taken 6 days before she went to the hospital. You just never would think this could happen to your family. We came extremely close to losing her. Next time your Mom calls and you think that you talk to her all the time-answer it anyways. Enjoy every moment with her. Give your loved ones an extra kiss at night- Life is SO precious.
Thank you!
With Love,
Sarah Angelson (Daughter)
THE JONAS FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP
On June 11, 2017 Ginger’s leg was on fire. She called her son in law, Brian and proceeded to tell him about her leg but had to disconnect the call because she had to throw up. Later that night she text her son (Stephan) a photo of her leg and said she felt as if it was on fire. He told her to get to the hospital immediately.
For the first 24 hours things were very unclear. The doctors were struggling to figure out what was happening with her body. What they knew was there was an infection running rampant but they didn’t know what was causing it. Ginger couldn’t breathe on her own and was placed on a ventilator, her heart was pumping weak, her kidneys stopped working and the rest of her organs were starting to shut down. Signs were not good and it was looking like hope was running out.
After further tests, the doctors concluded that she had contracted Necrotizing Fasciitis which started by her ankle and was taking over all her organs. They would give her 24 hours to respond to their treatments or they were going to have to start amputating one or both legs if necessary to save her life. It was difficult for her family to decide on her behalf between choosing LIFE or LIMB.
Necrotizing Fasciitis commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is an infection that results in the death of the body's soft tissue. It is a severe disease of sudden onset that spreads rapidly. There are fewer than 20,000 US cases per year.
A few days later there was little to no improvement and they started to make plans to amputate. If they could remove the leg, they could stop the spread of the bacteria. A team of Doctors were called in and one of the Doctors said he was not ready to give up yet. He thought he could try one more thing before removing her limb. The Doctor proposed to remove the flesh down to the bone trying to leave the tendons and muscles undamaged to eliminate the infected area. This was the last ditch effort and should this not work, amputation was necessary. Once the surgery was complete, Ginger was immediately started on dialysis while in recovery.
After days of uncertainty, Ginger’s body started to fight the infection, her body was accepting the antibiotics and things were looking a little better. On June 25th, Ginger was removed from the ventilator and she woke up after 10 days! Against all odds...with the prayers & support of family, friends and strangers, it is truly a miracle that she survived. She is awake and alert but will still be in the hospital for a while. The doctors are still waiting to see what will happen with her feet.
With only one income, times like these are difficult to keep up with bills. Jeff is working 2 jobs. 1 Job is Monday through Friday and the other is at night and on weekends. When he's not working- he's at the hostpial. The medical insurance came out Ginger’s paycheck (which she is no longer receiving). In order to keep up with the insurance Jeff (husband) must write a check on a weekly basis to ensure that medical coverage is covered for Ginger, himself, and Stephan. We don’t know how long she is going to be in the hospital for but it’s going to take time. She will have to go through physical therapy in order to get her legs and arms functioning again.
The Jonas family are very private people but we are at a point where there is no other option but to ask loving family, friends and other generous people for help. They don’t know that I’m creating this page for their help. Anyone that knows Ginger knows that she is the most loving and caring person and mother. She puts EVERYONE before herself. There is absolutely no amount that is too small. Every little bit will make a difference. Anything you can do will go towards giving Ginger her second chance at life.
This photo was taken 6 days before she went to the hospital. You just never would think this could happen to your family. We came extremely close to losing her. Next time your Mom calls and you think that you talk to her all the time-answer it anyways. Enjoy every moment with her. Give your loved ones an extra kiss at night- Life is SO precious.
Thank you!
With Love,
Sarah Angelson (Daughter)
Organizer
Sarah Angelson
Organizer
Fort Myers, FL
