We've got your back, Jack!
Donation protected
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~Helen Keller
Many of you know Jack as a "shirt off his back" kind of guy. The kind of guy that always helps and never asks for anything in return. So, it should be no surprise that he's not behind this campaign either; he would never ask. However, we are seizing this opportunity to reach out and attempt to save Jack's life.
Jack means so much to so many people. He's an outstanding and beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, God-parent, friend and co-worker. He holds so many titles and excels in each one. The thought of losing Jack is crippling and we can no longer stand by and watch him wither away...the time for action is now.
About 18 months ago, Jack started having unexplained weight loss. Like most of us, he had some weight to spare, so he brushed it off. Then, he started having nausea and vomiting which prompted visits to a GI doctor. Eventually, Jack was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and with medication, his condition began to improve..for a short while.
Over the last year, Jack started a more rapid decline, losing up to 15 or more pounds in any given month. He suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, so he got medicine for those conditions. After leaving his primary in charge and not improving, we decided to take him over to a "top hospital," (St. Louis University) and see a "top doc." She recognized his poor condition and vowed to give us some answers. Jack was admitted to St. Louis University Hospital for an entire week. The plan was vigorous and broad testing in attempt to finally diagnose this mysterious illness so treatment and healing could begin.
After an exhausting week of testing, poking and prodding, sadly,there were no definitive answers. Jack was a medical mystery - one that a top rated hospital could provide no solid answers to. So, the symptoms were labeled as complications from poorly controlled type II diabetes and autonomic neuropathy. With that cover-all diagnosis, he was discharged with different medications and told that things would just take time. His tests showed normal values and there were no red flags pointing to the source of his deterioriation.
Jack is proud of his career as a Correctional Lieutenant with St Clair County Sheriff's Department but has been unable to work since August 2015. As any great leader would, Jack recognized his inability to perform his job and responsibly, asked for a leave of absence. He was just too weak and lethargic to continue working. He applied for short-term disability but is still awaiting approval, months later. Due to the vague diagnosis, his approval and subsequent benefits are delayed. He presently has no source of income, but life and bills continue regardless.
In August, Jack weighed in at 195 pounds - he had already lost over 125 pounds since this illness began. As of November 24th, he's down to a thin and frail 156 pounds. He's now lost over half his initial body weight and subsequently, a great deal of muscle mass is also gone. He is lethargic, fatigued, weak and feels miserable nearly 24/7. He spends most of his time in bed and any efforts otherwise are challenging. He continues to have nausea, sporatic vomiting and general malaise. He longs for his old life back - the opportunity to work, spend quality time with family and friends and just live life in general; right now, he's merely existing. This is not the life any young 47 year old would wish for, and that's why we're called to action...he needs our help!
We have requested an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN but it will be expensive. A few burdensome costs associated are transportation, housing, meals, and all medical expenses not covered by insurance (no idea what will/won't be covered). The average visit to Mayo is 7-10 days.
This fundraiser was started to lessen the financial burden and give Jack one less thing to worry about. While life as he knew it is non-existent, the world around him hasn't stopped. There are still essential bills to be paid and he has no income. While that situation is bleak enough, when adding all these unplanned expenses, it becomes overwhelming. But, Jack's life is well worth it!!! Remember what he means to each of us and it becomes a no-brainer why we should make every effort to help this beloved man.
Please know how grateful we are for any and all help received. If you are unable to help financially, he could still greatly benefit from your prayers. While he is not up for visitors, we're sure he'd love to get a card or letter in the mail. Let's rally for Jack and show him our love and support!
Please take just a quick moment to help, it would mean so much to all of us.
We've got your back, Jack!
Many of you know Jack as a "shirt off his back" kind of guy. The kind of guy that always helps and never asks for anything in return. So, it should be no surprise that he's not behind this campaign either; he would never ask. However, we are seizing this opportunity to reach out and attempt to save Jack's life.
Jack means so much to so many people. He's an outstanding and beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, God-parent, friend and co-worker. He holds so many titles and excels in each one. The thought of losing Jack is crippling and we can no longer stand by and watch him wither away...the time for action is now.
About 18 months ago, Jack started having unexplained weight loss. Like most of us, he had some weight to spare, so he brushed it off. Then, he started having nausea and vomiting which prompted visits to a GI doctor. Eventually, Jack was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and with medication, his condition began to improve..for a short while.
Over the last year, Jack started a more rapid decline, losing up to 15 or more pounds in any given month. He suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, so he got medicine for those conditions. After leaving his primary in charge and not improving, we decided to take him over to a "top hospital," (St. Louis University) and see a "top doc." She recognized his poor condition and vowed to give us some answers. Jack was admitted to St. Louis University Hospital for an entire week. The plan was vigorous and broad testing in attempt to finally diagnose this mysterious illness so treatment and healing could begin.
After an exhausting week of testing, poking and prodding, sadly,there were no definitive answers. Jack was a medical mystery - one that a top rated hospital could provide no solid answers to. So, the symptoms were labeled as complications from poorly controlled type II diabetes and autonomic neuropathy. With that cover-all diagnosis, he was discharged with different medications and told that things would just take time. His tests showed normal values and there were no red flags pointing to the source of his deterioriation.
Jack is proud of his career as a Correctional Lieutenant with St Clair County Sheriff's Department but has been unable to work since August 2015. As any great leader would, Jack recognized his inability to perform his job and responsibly, asked for a leave of absence. He was just too weak and lethargic to continue working. He applied for short-term disability but is still awaiting approval, months later. Due to the vague diagnosis, his approval and subsequent benefits are delayed. He presently has no source of income, but life and bills continue regardless.
In August, Jack weighed in at 195 pounds - he had already lost over 125 pounds since this illness began. As of November 24th, he's down to a thin and frail 156 pounds. He's now lost over half his initial body weight and subsequently, a great deal of muscle mass is also gone. He is lethargic, fatigued, weak and feels miserable nearly 24/7. He spends most of his time in bed and any efforts otherwise are challenging. He continues to have nausea, sporatic vomiting and general malaise. He longs for his old life back - the opportunity to work, spend quality time with family and friends and just live life in general; right now, he's merely existing. This is not the life any young 47 year old would wish for, and that's why we're called to action...he needs our help!
We have requested an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN but it will be expensive. A few burdensome costs associated are transportation, housing, meals, and all medical expenses not covered by insurance (no idea what will/won't be covered). The average visit to Mayo is 7-10 days.
This fundraiser was started to lessen the financial burden and give Jack one less thing to worry about. While life as he knew it is non-existent, the world around him hasn't stopped. There are still essential bills to be paid and he has no income. While that situation is bleak enough, when adding all these unplanned expenses, it becomes overwhelming. But, Jack's life is well worth it!!! Remember what he means to each of us and it becomes a no-brainer why we should make every effort to help this beloved man.
Please know how grateful we are for any and all help received. If you are unable to help financially, he could still greatly benefit from your prayers. While he is not up for visitors, we're sure he'd love to get a card or letter in the mail. Let's rally for Jack and show him our love and support!
Please take just a quick moment to help, it would mean so much to all of us.
We've got your back, Jack!
Organizer and beneficiary
Annmarie Dinges
Organizer
Belleville, IL
Jack Dinges
Beneficiary