Hello friends,
My name is Brionna Goulart-Knisely. Luckily for me, I have been blessed to call the Whitlocks “family” for all of my life and consider them my very own. Although we may not be related by blood, God has undoubtedly brought our families together to celebrate each other and also to lift each other up when we cannot do it ourselves. The Whitlock family has supported me in all of life's most important moments, as well as the small ones.
There are countless examples of when the Whitlocks have given their time, energy, emotions, and finances when asked to support those who need it most. I’m sure many of you can attest to this fact and have been a recipient of their love.
Now it is my turn and my honor to support them in this difficult and time sensitive journey. I would love for you to do what you can to support them as well.
Here is the situation regarding Jake and what is going on in his life. Last summer Jake checked himself into rehab for alcoholic addiction. He had a great year since returning from rehab and staying away from alcohol, but ultimately he kept getting sick.
It was last week we found out just how critical the circumstances are. Jake is currently in liver failure and has been placed on the Liver Transplant list through UCSF. When he receives a liver, the doctors will also be doing surgery on his stomach where the lining is bad, put a sleeve of his stomach, his Gallbladder will be removed, and he has a Hiatal Hernia with Varices which will be repaired as well. The doctors believe all of this will make a better environment for the liver to take well to Jake’s body.
In order to be approved for a liver transplant Jake went under strenuous evaluations, both physically and psychologically. The UCSF doctors all agreed that Jake is an excellent candidate to be put on the transplant list. This is an extremely time sensitive matter and Jake feels mentally prepared for whenever his team of doctors calls him in for surgery which could be at any moment.
Thankfully we live in the most medically advanced place in the world and Jake feels a lot of peace with the doctors he has encountered during the treatment he has received thus far.
This has been an emotional time for Jake and all of the Whitlock family, and the added burden of finances makes the situation feel even heavier. There are medical bills to cover, family members taking time off to care for Jake, gas costs to and from San Francisco, bridge tolls, parking fees at the hospital, hotels and other accommodations, as well as many more expenses that add up quickly with a medical procedure as serious as this one. I have full faith that God will take care of Jake and the entire Whitlock family: Lenny, Arabella, Nickolas, Courtney, and Rebecca who also need your prayers too. I also know that God uses people in trying times to take care of others, which is where I invite you to step in. Prayers, positive thoughts, financial gifts, or any support that you can give to help Jake through this process is deeply and greatly appreciated.
Jake would like everyone to know that he loves you all. He appreciates the kind words, the prayers, and the support you are able to give. Jake is in high spirits and is currently home awaiting the phone call from his team of doctors who will be performing the transplant at UCSF. As an honorary member of the Whitlock family I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this. If you feel led please donate here to help cover the amounting expenses that are already here and will continue to pile up. We all anxiously await the healing of Jake that is to come, and we want to rally around this great family who has been there for so many of us.
I will continue to report updates on this page as they happen. Please share this link with friends, as well as on any social media platform. There is strength in numbers! I believe God will move in mighty ways through all of you who are ready to help.
If anyone is more comfortable donating through the Venmo app, please send your donations to @arabellas_hope and include "Healing for Jake" in the info area.
With love,
Brionna
My name is Brionna Goulart-Knisely. Luckily for me, I have been blessed to call the Whitlocks “family” for all of my life and consider them my very own. Although we may not be related by blood, God has undoubtedly brought our families together to celebrate each other and also to lift each other up when we cannot do it ourselves. The Whitlock family has supported me in all of life's most important moments, as well as the small ones.
There are countless examples of when the Whitlocks have given their time, energy, emotions, and finances when asked to support those who need it most. I’m sure many of you can attest to this fact and have been a recipient of their love.
Now it is my turn and my honor to support them in this difficult and time sensitive journey. I would love for you to do what you can to support them as well.
Here is the situation regarding Jake and what is going on in his life. Last summer Jake checked himself into rehab for alcoholic addiction. He had a great year since returning from rehab and staying away from alcohol, but ultimately he kept getting sick.
It was last week we found out just how critical the circumstances are. Jake is currently in liver failure and has been placed on the Liver Transplant list through UCSF. When he receives a liver, the doctors will also be doing surgery on his stomach where the lining is bad, put a sleeve of his stomach, his Gallbladder will be removed, and he has a Hiatal Hernia with Varices which will be repaired as well. The doctors believe all of this will make a better environment for the liver to take well to Jake’s body.
In order to be approved for a liver transplant Jake went under strenuous evaluations, both physically and psychologically. The UCSF doctors all agreed that Jake is an excellent candidate to be put on the transplant list. This is an extremely time sensitive matter and Jake feels mentally prepared for whenever his team of doctors calls him in for surgery which could be at any moment.
Thankfully we live in the most medically advanced place in the world and Jake feels a lot of peace with the doctors he has encountered during the treatment he has received thus far.
This has been an emotional time for Jake and all of the Whitlock family, and the added burden of finances makes the situation feel even heavier. There are medical bills to cover, family members taking time off to care for Jake, gas costs to and from San Francisco, bridge tolls, parking fees at the hospital, hotels and other accommodations, as well as many more expenses that add up quickly with a medical procedure as serious as this one. I have full faith that God will take care of Jake and the entire Whitlock family: Lenny, Arabella, Nickolas, Courtney, and Rebecca who also need your prayers too. I also know that God uses people in trying times to take care of others, which is where I invite you to step in. Prayers, positive thoughts, financial gifts, or any support that you can give to help Jake through this process is deeply and greatly appreciated.
Jake would like everyone to know that he loves you all. He appreciates the kind words, the prayers, and the support you are able to give. Jake is in high spirits and is currently home awaiting the phone call from his team of doctors who will be performing the transplant at UCSF. As an honorary member of the Whitlock family I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this. If you feel led please donate here to help cover the amounting expenses that are already here and will continue to pile up. We all anxiously await the healing of Jake that is to come, and we want to rally around this great family who has been there for so many of us.
I will continue to report updates on this page as they happen. Please share this link with friends, as well as on any social media platform. There is strength in numbers! I believe God will move in mighty ways through all of you who are ready to help.
If anyone is more comfortable donating through the Venmo app, please send your donations to @arabellas_hope and include "Healing for Jake" in the info area.
With love,
Brionna
Organizer and beneficiary
Arabella Whitlock
Beneficiary