Help Jackie Fund Her Cancer Treatment

Hi everyone, my name is Liz Fredrickson. My good friend and former roommate of 5 years, Jackie, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. As the cancer progresses, it limits the body's ability to fight infection.

 

In late January, Jackie went to the emergency room after dealing with what she thought was a chest cold that wouldn't completely go away. The ER doctor ordered a chest x-ray, where it was discovered that she had pneumonia. The ER doctor recommended she see her primary doctor for a follow-up appointment, and there she was diagnosed with bronchitis.

 

Jackie scheduled a second appointment with her primary doctor. Upon arriving at her appointment, she was heavily panting, out of breath, despite not doing any strenuous activity. Her doctor was concerned and instructed her to get another chest x-ray at the nearby hospital. About two hours later, her doctor called back to inform her she had an abnormal mass in her chest. She was then advised to get a blood draw and CT scan at the hospital.

 

After the scan, the ER doctor arrived to deliver the news that her results showed that she was anemic, needed a blood transfusion, and that she has a type of blood cancer. She had to be admitted into the hospital to have tests ran to verify the results. The next four days consisted of doctors' updates, scans, and her blood being taken for tests. She had also gotten a biopsy that solidified the original suspicion. Her official diagnosis was Stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer in addition to anemia, pneumonia and bronchitis.

 

Since her diagnosis, Jackie has been advised not to work at her 2 part-time jobs, as she would immediately start chemotherapy and her treatment is aggressive and extensive. Her treatment plan is set to last for 6 months giving twelve cycles of chemotherapy drugs.

 

It's a struggle for Jackie to stay afloat with the day-to-day things such as getting groceries and safe transportation (since her immune system is heavily compromised). In addition, Jackie lives alone and has little outside support. At this moment, she has completed two cycles of chemotherapy, but she is behind on her bills. She has sought a grant to help with medical expenses but she is on a waitlist and is unsure whether she will be eligible.

 

I am hoping to raise money for her treatment and medical expenses, as well as for her rent, utilities, bills, groceries and transportation. Jackie is hard-working and resilient, but she needs the help of her community and beyond. Thank you so much for reading her story, and know that any donation given is a blessing!