Health Relief Fund for Healthcare Worker
Donation protected
My story is one of hope, desire, willpower, and letdown. First, I am going to inform you a little about me and who I am. Second, I am going to describe my family relationship. Finally, I am going to ask for your support.
My name is Jeremie Reece and I am 35 years old, married with 2 children, and an Occupational Therapist. I am originally from the suburbs of Rockford, Illinois. I had a good childhood with great parents and friends. My childhood was complicated by learning deficits resulting in a decreased reading level compared to my peers and ultimately obtaining help from a local elementary school specializing in reading deficits. Further, my childhood was complicated when my brother was diagnosed with osteosarcoma cancer at the age of 17. My brother underwent prolonged chemoradiation therapy and ultimately lost his leg due to cancer; however, today continues to be in remission and has a lovely family. The horrific images of my brother while obtaining treatment will forever be engrained in my memory. On the positive side, the treatment my brother received from the therapy staff increased his quality of life at the time and changed my life forever. When I was fifteen my family decided to relocate to Crossville, Tennessee due to extended family illness and new opportunity. Despite all of my childhood challenges, I was able to graduate high school in 2002, a year earlier than originally planned. In a patriotic mind state, after 9/11, I decided to join the United States Navy (USN) at age 17. In the USN I was able to learn a trade, make long lasting friendships, and travel the world. Moreover, I was able to climb the ranks over 4 years, and as a result I obtained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. I left my family as a child and returned home an adult.
I met my wife while working at the local Blockbuster Video store in Crossville. At the time I was working part-time and enrolled in the local community college. My wife describes our relationship best as “love at first sight.” We were married in 2010 and I adopted my children the same year. My wife and family have fully supported me over the years while I have chased my dreams of completing school. School was challenging and at times I thought about giving up, but I never did, just kept on pushing myself. I obtained my Bachelors of Psychology with Minor in History. The same year I was accepted into an Occupational Therapy Program by a University in Georgia. After 3 grueling years of traveling and studying I graduated toward the top of my class and obtained a Masters of Occupational Therapy. All my hard work had paid off and there was light at the end of the tunnel. At least I thought there was.
When I was 28 years old I started having back problems. I would have flare ups 1-2 times a year. The flare up would range from moderate-severe back pain to weakness/inability to move my lower extremities for a time. I would travel to the nearest Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital and obtain care. The VA consistently performed x-rays and diagnosed me with muscle spasms and prescribed me pain medication for 7 days and muscle relaxers for 30 days. At 28 years old my symptoms would decrease over a day or two and I was able to regain all functioning and have total pain relief. This was consistent for several years and then started to progress when I turned 34 years old. At 35 years old I was able to obtain private insurance through my employer. I was finally able to obtain a MRI of my lower spine without placing myself in medical debt. The MRI results indicated the following: L4-L5: disc extrusion with subligamentous dissection. Mild-moderate stenosis. L5-S1: left paracentral disc extrusion. Moderate-moderately-severe stenosis. Left S1 nerve root compression. Hemangioma right sacral. In addition, a recent CT scan showed a spot on my right kidney. I am scheduled to see a specialist to further evaluate the spot and make further treatment determinations.
I currently have been out of work for a prolonged period of time and am in constant pain in my lower spine despite prescribed medications. There are days when I am able to move around well and days that I am unable to leave my bed. At this time we are struggling to make ends meet and pay our bills. We have altered our lifestyle and made changes to assist our situation, but still continue to struggle. All donations will be used toward financial debt. I am asking the public to please help my family and I. Please help an adoptive parent, husband, healthcare worker, and veteran.
My name is Jeremie Reece and I am 35 years old, married with 2 children, and an Occupational Therapist. I am originally from the suburbs of Rockford, Illinois. I had a good childhood with great parents and friends. My childhood was complicated by learning deficits resulting in a decreased reading level compared to my peers and ultimately obtaining help from a local elementary school specializing in reading deficits. Further, my childhood was complicated when my brother was diagnosed with osteosarcoma cancer at the age of 17. My brother underwent prolonged chemoradiation therapy and ultimately lost his leg due to cancer; however, today continues to be in remission and has a lovely family. The horrific images of my brother while obtaining treatment will forever be engrained in my memory. On the positive side, the treatment my brother received from the therapy staff increased his quality of life at the time and changed my life forever. When I was fifteen my family decided to relocate to Crossville, Tennessee due to extended family illness and new opportunity. Despite all of my childhood challenges, I was able to graduate high school in 2002, a year earlier than originally planned. In a patriotic mind state, after 9/11, I decided to join the United States Navy (USN) at age 17. In the USN I was able to learn a trade, make long lasting friendships, and travel the world. Moreover, I was able to climb the ranks over 4 years, and as a result I obtained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. I left my family as a child and returned home an adult.
I met my wife while working at the local Blockbuster Video store in Crossville. At the time I was working part-time and enrolled in the local community college. My wife describes our relationship best as “love at first sight.” We were married in 2010 and I adopted my children the same year. My wife and family have fully supported me over the years while I have chased my dreams of completing school. School was challenging and at times I thought about giving up, but I never did, just kept on pushing myself. I obtained my Bachelors of Psychology with Minor in History. The same year I was accepted into an Occupational Therapy Program by a University in Georgia. After 3 grueling years of traveling and studying I graduated toward the top of my class and obtained a Masters of Occupational Therapy. All my hard work had paid off and there was light at the end of the tunnel. At least I thought there was.
When I was 28 years old I started having back problems. I would have flare ups 1-2 times a year. The flare up would range from moderate-severe back pain to weakness/inability to move my lower extremities for a time. I would travel to the nearest Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital and obtain care. The VA consistently performed x-rays and diagnosed me with muscle spasms and prescribed me pain medication for 7 days and muscle relaxers for 30 days. At 28 years old my symptoms would decrease over a day or two and I was able to regain all functioning and have total pain relief. This was consistent for several years and then started to progress when I turned 34 years old. At 35 years old I was able to obtain private insurance through my employer. I was finally able to obtain a MRI of my lower spine without placing myself in medical debt. The MRI results indicated the following: L4-L5: disc extrusion with subligamentous dissection. Mild-moderate stenosis. L5-S1: left paracentral disc extrusion. Moderate-moderately-severe stenosis. Left S1 nerve root compression. Hemangioma right sacral. In addition, a recent CT scan showed a spot on my right kidney. I am scheduled to see a specialist to further evaluate the spot and make further treatment determinations.
I currently have been out of work for a prolonged period of time and am in constant pain in my lower spine despite prescribed medications. There are days when I am able to move around well and days that I am unable to leave my bed. At this time we are struggling to make ends meet and pay our bills. We have altered our lifestyle and made changes to assist our situation, but still continue to struggle. All donations will be used toward financial debt. I am asking the public to please help my family and I. Please help an adoptive parent, husband, healthcare worker, and veteran.
Organizer
Jeremie Reece
Organizer
Crossville, TN