Helping Support My Son's Ongoing Medical Care

To all of my friends and those of you I’ve never even met, this is my son Jake. Some of you might remember him as a child. He just turned 27 and after years of pain and worsening health, he's been diagnosed with several life-altering conditions.

The worst is a severe case of a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which causes Jake excruciating pain as well as joint dislocations. He also suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) which causes dizziness and an extremely high heart rate, and a nerve disorder called dysautonomia. He also been diagnosed with autism.

Over the next several years, uninsurable procedures like prolotherapy and specialized physiotherapy, among others, are the primary treatments he’ll be undergoing. Prolotherapy involves multiple injections into the site of painful ligaments and tendons. It often avoids the need for surgery. 

Also, Jake’s jugular veins are operating at only 10-20% capacity. Blood is getting trapped in his brain, which is draining at 1/5 of what it should be. Exercise and physical therapy will help once his pain lessens. 

His first prolotherapy treatments are targeting his neck. He will likely also need the same procedures on his shoulders and hips, which partially dislocate on a daily basis.

All of these treatments are expensive and not covered by insurance. Your support, no matter the size, would help allow Jake to access the therapies and medical care that offer him hope and a chance at a healthier future, as ongoing care will be a necessity. (Jake initially applied for disability 2 1/2 years ago and we have yet to get a decision.)

Thank you for considering this request and for being part of Jake’s journey. Life is challenging for all of us. But your kindness and generosity mean the world to us.