
Help Jasmine Fight Alone for Life-Saving Care
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Hi, I’m Jasmine.
For the past two years, I’ve been living in survival mode.
After struggling with life-threatening obesity and complications, I underwent gastric bypass surgery in Mexico in 2022. My Medicaid and Medicare coverage conflicted, and no local hospital would perform it—so I had no choice but to go alone.
Since then, I’ve had zero medical follow-up. I was abandoned by the system that trained me for the procedure. Every day since has been a private battle with pain, nausea, dehydration, and serious malnutrition—without a doctor to call, and nowhere to turn.
What I Live With Now
Constant vomiting, sometimes triggered just by movement or eating
Daily stomach cramps, alternating diarrhea and extreme constipation
Intense nausea and weakness, especially every morning from 8:30–10:30 AM
A complete inability to stay hydrated—water makes me physically ill
Severe weight loss and signs of dangerous malnutrition
A recent chemical burn on my back I cannot afford to treat
Why I’m Asking for Help
I recently had to cancel a medical appointment in Nebraska because I couldn’t afford transportation. There’s an IV hydration clinic in Ankeny, Iowa that might be able to help me survive—but they don’t accept insurance.
I can’t do this alone anymore.
Fundraising Goal: $15,000
This campaign will help me:
Get IV hydration therapy and electrolyte infusions
Cover emergency medications, wound care, and GI support
Travel to out-of-state specialists (Mayo Clinic, Nebraska)
Access doctor visits and GI testing
Begin the process of getting a PTSD service dog
Start saving for a safe, dependable vehicle so I can finally reach care
⚠️ Build a buffer in case of emergency complications
The Loneliness of Being Sick
Living with these complications has isolated me in ways I never expected. I have no social life outside of medical appointments. My communication skills have deteriorated—I struggle to speak clearly, and sometimes can’t find the words at all. My only regular human contact is my partner of 16 years.
When I flew to Mexico for surgery, I went completely alone. Every other woman had a husband or family member to help. If you had help, they let you recover in a hotel. But because I was alone, I had to stay at the surgical site until my flight home—with no assistance. That kind of solitude stays with you.
My Three Little Guardians
Through every unbearable day, three tiny souls have stayed beside me.
Sticky, Siamese/tuxedo mix has been with me since I was 19 (16 Years).
Daisy, my orange tabby, joined to keep Sticky company.
Harley, the youngest, came into my life the week I lost a child through a medical abortion. I didn’t get to keep my baby, but Harley was sent to hold my heart.
They are with me in every photo—curled into my side when I cry, resting on my chest when I can’t breathe. They’ve never left me, even when everyone else did.
Please Help Me Heal
If you’ve ever felt forgotten… I’m there now.
If you’ve ever been too sick to ask for help… this is me, finally asking.
I don’t expect anyone to fix it all. I just need help surviving long enough to get care.
If you can donate, share, or simply hold space for me—thank you.
Jasmine & the kitties
Organizer

Jasmine Riley
Organizer
Des Moines, IA