Help Jamie Fight MS and Rebuild Her Life

My name is Alejandra, and I’m Jamie’s wife. I’m reaching out for help during the most challenging time in our lives. Jamie is 26 years old and was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2024, just two weeks before our wedding. MS is a lifelong illness where the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, and difficulty coordinating movements. Despite the devastating news, we were determined to fight this battle together and started working to get her on preventive medication. However, insurance delays and denials have made this journey even harder.

Jamie has always been a fighter and an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She dreamed of becoming a firefighter and volunteered with the Peekskill Fire Department, as well as with the Volunteer Ambulance Corps in the past. But when leg numbness and weakness made it difficult for her to walk without a cane, she had to put that dream aside. Jamie didn’t let that stop her, though. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant at Sunshine Children’s Home, pouring her heart into caring for children with complex medical needs. She hoped to become a nurse someday, wanting a career that allowed her to care for others while also offering more job opportunities.

Unfortunately, her condition took a turn for the worse. On December 21, 2024, Jamie suddenly lost her sense of taste, experienced severe balance issues, and couldn’t stop vomiting. She was admitted to the hospital, where doctors discovered new active lesions in her brain. These lesions caused significant symptoms, including Bell’s palsy, which makes the right side of her face droop, prevents her from fully closing her right eye, and causes difficulty controlling saliva. She now needs assistance feeding herself, requires 2 nurses to help her walk, and struggles with confusion and difficulty speaking. Despite all of this, Jamie’s biggest concern remains the children she cares for. Even from her hospital bed, she constantly asks about them and wishes to return to work.

Jamie is currently awaiting stabilization for depression and other medical concerns before she can be transferred to Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. Once she is stabilized, she will begin her rehabilitation journey to regain her strength and independence. We are also tirelessly advocating to get her the medication she needs to prevent further relapses. However, the financial burden is overwhelming. Between the extensive imaging, bloodwork, and hospital stays since her diagnosis, her work insurance has refused to cover many of the costs. Additionally, with Jamie unable to work, bills are piling up and we’re struggling to keep up.

Jamie is the kind of person who lights up every room she walks into. She’s fiercely kind, selfless, and has spent her life caring for others. Now, she needs our help. We are asking for donations to help cover her medical bills, living expenses, and the costs of rehabilitation. Every little bit helps and brings us closer to giving Jamie the care she needs and deserves.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support during this incredibly difficult time. Jamie has always been a fighter, and with your help, we believe she can overcome this and rebuild her life.

With gratitude,

Alejandra