Donation protected
The Backstory
If you are lucky enough to know the Asyn family, you know they are warm, kind, and always have smiles on their faces. They are as close as any family could be — Jazmine and Paul are best friends and Auntie and Uncle have been lovebirds for over 30 years. Through Uncle’s career they’ve been able to travel the world, living in Japan, Singapore, and now settled in Fort Worth, TX.
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, with COVID-19 and unfathomable changes in work and school. For the Asyn family, 2020 has brought on a new hardship — cancer.
Diagnosis
Beginning in late 2019 into early 2020, Jazmine began noticing odd symptoms — intermittent abdominal bloating and cramping. The pains would present themselves and go away as quickly as they appeared. As a healthy 28 year old, the symptoms were chalked up to the seasonal stomach bug.
By January 2020, Jazmine knew it was time to visit the doctor and get it checked out. A CT scan revealed (what was thought to be) a benign tumor. A referral was made for an outpatient follow up. In the meantime, Jaz’s bloating continued and symptoms became progressively worse. In February, bent over in excruciating pain she went to the emergency room. She was immediately admitted for paracentesis (removing excess fluid from the abdomen) and surgery to remove the tumor. Over 10 liters of fluid were removed and the tumor was over 20 pounds, so you can imagine the amount of discomfort she was in. The tumor was sent to pathology for a biopsy, while the doctors were pleased as they felt they removed all visible mass. Unfortunately, the biopsy came back positive for Stage III ovarian cancer.
As if this journey wasn’t difficult enough, the world came to its knees as a global pandemic upended our daily lives. Because of the uncertainties of COVID-19, Jazmine’s treatment shifted to minimizing exposure due to her immunocompromised state. Her doctors continued to monitor her symptoms in anticipation for future follow ups. She was visited by Home Health nurses who found that her abdominal incisions were healing quickly. By Easter, Jazmine was in better spirits and began resuming some normal activities.
In June, symptoms began to come back prompting an in-person check up. Jaz underwent another CT scan, where it was found that the cancer had metastasized to her liver. The diagnosis was upgraded to Stage IV with a new treatment plan initiated. Jazmine was determined to not let the cancer win.
Jazmine started chemotherapy on July 7, and afterwards had minimal issues. Pain was becoming more manageable, but abdominal swelling started to become an issue again. The next chemo session was scheduled for July 28, with labs to be drawn the day before to ensure her body was healing. When Jazmine went in for labs on July 27, they found that she had an infection. She was placed on antibiotics and elected to return home to fight the infection. On July 31, the abdominal swelling started causing a leak in her abdominal incisions, prompting a trip to the emergency room. She was admitted to the hospital where she was placed on IV antibiotics for the infection, given a blood transfusion, paracentesis was performed, and a repeat CT scan was done. Doctors found that she had a bowel perforation, which had been causing a leak in the abdomen. They also found that there were more liver lesions and the cancer had metastasized to the peritoneum. The doctor explained the implications with Jaz and Terry, and Jaz stood firm telling him, “I’m not ready to die.” She was determined not to give up.
She was discharged from the hospital on August 3 with the support of her family and a small group of friends. They were taught how to manage her wounds and better manage her pain. Jazmine and company were all looking forward to an appointment with the UT Southwestern Oncology team. . They were hopeful that the UT team would give a more positive prognosis and course of action, but cannot move forward with further chemotherapy until the infection is cleared. The doctor explained that they will not give up as Jaz continues fighting.
Next Steps
Jazmine and her family are holding strong and are determined to fight this cancer. They have kept most of this journey private until now, but going forward will need support from the broader community. They are now ready to open this chapter to the world as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of what’s to come.
As of today, Jazmine is still fighting an infection. She is at home surrounded and supported by her family and a small group of close friends. Her next appointment is on August 20, which may determine the next steps to fighting this disease.
The Costs
As you can imagine, the costs for multiple hospitalizations, home nurses, treatment, and upcoming appointments are astronomical and continuing to grow. The Asyn family will pay whatever they need to save Jazmine’s life. So far, it’s cost about $70,000 and the total cost will likely be upwards of $200-300k. The most expensive costs are chemotherapy and prior surgeries.
Our initial goal is to raise $5,000 to help offset some financial strain and medical bills.
*Edit, as of 8/17/2020 we have raised $24,000 and plan to continue the campaign until at least the prior medical costs are paid off (70k).
Withdrawal Plan
Jazmine is the beneficiary for this campaign, but she will have the assistance of her brother, Paul Asyn, in managing the funds.
How you can help
In these unprecedented times, we understand people cannot give as much as they’d like. Any amount you can contribute to this GoFundMe will make a difference. Whether it’s $1, $5, or $20, anything will be greatly appreciated.
If you do not have a GoFundMe account or don’t want to sign up for one (I get it, who wants to remember another password?), feel free to Venmo me at @karjbaker and I will happily send a screenshot to you that confirms they’ve received your donation.
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts
Jazmine has displayed Herculean strength despite what she’s been told by her doctors. She faces each day with incredible strength and courage, and still manages to smile and care for others despite her pain. She is determined to win this uphill battle, with prayer, positivity, and the love of her family and friends. She continues to envision a future of globetrotting, eating (Mister Donut in Japan, especially), and having a career and family of her own.
Please keep in mind Jazmine is still actively fighting this infection. As they open up to their community, they will likely get many messages and calls. Please do not be offended if they don’t immediately respond and please respect what they continue to make public or private. Use the comment section of this page to leave a message, or email [email redacted], and Paul will be sure your message gets to Jaz.
If you want to send a card or gift, please send it to Paul Asyn, 355 Vistaglen Dr. Apt #2308, Plano TX 75074
Please continue to keep Jaz in your thoughts and prayers. The Asyn family needs all the prayers and uplifting so that HE can hear their voice.
If you have any memories or photos you’d like to share, please email them to [email redacted]. I will be compiling a Memory book so that the Asyn family can have something tangible to hold their memories of better times to take into the future.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm, you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
About me:
I'm Karla (Baker) Prater, I live in Portland OR and have been friends with Jaz and the Asyn family for as long as I can remember. In Sasebo, Japan we were in Clyde Anderson's Sure Start program (4 y.o.), and then back together in 5th and 6th grade after Jaz moved back. Our families are close as well, since her younger brother Paul was in the same grade as my brother, Kyle. Some of my fondest memories with Jaz include singing to Britney Spears and hanging out at the Main Base bowling alley (haha). We have grown up together and I am honored to be a part of the Asyn's extended family.
I started this campaign with the permission from Jaz & the Asyn Family.
If you are lucky enough to know the Asyn family, you know they are warm, kind, and always have smiles on their faces. They are as close as any family could be — Jazmine and Paul are best friends and Auntie and Uncle have been lovebirds for over 30 years. Through Uncle’s career they’ve been able to travel the world, living in Japan, Singapore, and now settled in Fort Worth, TX.
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, with COVID-19 and unfathomable changes in work and school. For the Asyn family, 2020 has brought on a new hardship — cancer.
Diagnosis
Beginning in late 2019 into early 2020, Jazmine began noticing odd symptoms — intermittent abdominal bloating and cramping. The pains would present themselves and go away as quickly as they appeared. As a healthy 28 year old, the symptoms were chalked up to the seasonal stomach bug.
By January 2020, Jazmine knew it was time to visit the doctor and get it checked out. A CT scan revealed (what was thought to be) a benign tumor. A referral was made for an outpatient follow up. In the meantime, Jaz’s bloating continued and symptoms became progressively worse. In February, bent over in excruciating pain she went to the emergency room. She was immediately admitted for paracentesis (removing excess fluid from the abdomen) and surgery to remove the tumor. Over 10 liters of fluid were removed and the tumor was over 20 pounds, so you can imagine the amount of discomfort she was in. The tumor was sent to pathology for a biopsy, while the doctors were pleased as they felt they removed all visible mass. Unfortunately, the biopsy came back positive for Stage III ovarian cancer.
As if this journey wasn’t difficult enough, the world came to its knees as a global pandemic upended our daily lives. Because of the uncertainties of COVID-19, Jazmine’s treatment shifted to minimizing exposure due to her immunocompromised state. Her doctors continued to monitor her symptoms in anticipation for future follow ups. She was visited by Home Health nurses who found that her abdominal incisions were healing quickly. By Easter, Jazmine was in better spirits and began resuming some normal activities.
In June, symptoms began to come back prompting an in-person check up. Jaz underwent another CT scan, where it was found that the cancer had metastasized to her liver. The diagnosis was upgraded to Stage IV with a new treatment plan initiated. Jazmine was determined to not let the cancer win.
Jazmine started chemotherapy on July 7, and afterwards had minimal issues. Pain was becoming more manageable, but abdominal swelling started to become an issue again. The next chemo session was scheduled for July 28, with labs to be drawn the day before to ensure her body was healing. When Jazmine went in for labs on July 27, they found that she had an infection. She was placed on antibiotics and elected to return home to fight the infection. On July 31, the abdominal swelling started causing a leak in her abdominal incisions, prompting a trip to the emergency room. She was admitted to the hospital where she was placed on IV antibiotics for the infection, given a blood transfusion, paracentesis was performed, and a repeat CT scan was done. Doctors found that she had a bowel perforation, which had been causing a leak in the abdomen. They also found that there were more liver lesions and the cancer had metastasized to the peritoneum. The doctor explained the implications with Jaz and Terry, and Jaz stood firm telling him, “I’m not ready to die.” She was determined not to give up.
She was discharged from the hospital on August 3 with the support of her family and a small group of friends. They were taught how to manage her wounds and better manage her pain. Jazmine and company were all looking forward to an appointment with the UT Southwestern Oncology team. . They were hopeful that the UT team would give a more positive prognosis and course of action, but cannot move forward with further chemotherapy until the infection is cleared. The doctor explained that they will not give up as Jaz continues fighting.
Next Steps
Jazmine and her family are holding strong and are determined to fight this cancer. They have kept most of this journey private until now, but going forward will need support from the broader community. They are now ready to open this chapter to the world as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of what’s to come.
As of today, Jazmine is still fighting an infection. She is at home surrounded and supported by her family and a small group of close friends. Her next appointment is on August 20, which may determine the next steps to fighting this disease.
The Costs
As you can imagine, the costs for multiple hospitalizations, home nurses, treatment, and upcoming appointments are astronomical and continuing to grow. The Asyn family will pay whatever they need to save Jazmine’s life. So far, it’s cost about $70,000 and the total cost will likely be upwards of $200-300k. The most expensive costs are chemotherapy and prior surgeries.
Our initial goal is to raise $5,000 to help offset some financial strain and medical bills.
*Edit, as of 8/17/2020 we have raised $24,000 and plan to continue the campaign until at least the prior medical costs are paid off (70k).
Withdrawal Plan
Jazmine is the beneficiary for this campaign, but she will have the assistance of her brother, Paul Asyn, in managing the funds.
How you can help
In these unprecedented times, we understand people cannot give as much as they’d like. Any amount you can contribute to this GoFundMe will make a difference. Whether it’s $1, $5, or $20, anything will be greatly appreciated.
If you do not have a GoFundMe account or don’t want to sign up for one (I get it, who wants to remember another password?), feel free to Venmo me at @karjbaker and I will happily send a screenshot to you that confirms they’ve received your donation.
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts
Jazmine has displayed Herculean strength despite what she’s been told by her doctors. She faces each day with incredible strength and courage, and still manages to smile and care for others despite her pain. She is determined to win this uphill battle, with prayer, positivity, and the love of her family and friends. She continues to envision a future of globetrotting, eating (Mister Donut in Japan, especially), and having a career and family of her own.
Please keep in mind Jazmine is still actively fighting this infection. As they open up to their community, they will likely get many messages and calls. Please do not be offended if they don’t immediately respond and please respect what they continue to make public or private. Use the comment section of this page to leave a message, or email [email redacted], and Paul will be sure your message gets to Jaz.
If you want to send a card or gift, please send it to Paul Asyn, 355 Vistaglen Dr. Apt #2308, Plano TX 75074
Please continue to keep Jaz in your thoughts and prayers. The Asyn family needs all the prayers and uplifting so that HE can hear their voice.
If you have any memories or photos you’d like to share, please email them to [email redacted]. I will be compiling a Memory book so that the Asyn family can have something tangible to hold their memories of better times to take into the future.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm, you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
About me:
I'm Karla (Baker) Prater, I live in Portland OR and have been friends with Jaz and the Asyn family for as long as I can remember. In Sasebo, Japan we were in Clyde Anderson's Sure Start program (4 y.o.), and then back together in 5th and 6th grade after Jaz moved back. Our families are close as well, since her younger brother Paul was in the same grade as my brother, Kyle. Some of my fondest memories with Jaz include singing to Britney Spears and hanging out at the Main Base bowling alley (haha). We have grown up together and I am honored to be a part of the Asyn's extended family.
I started this campaign with the permission from Jaz & the Asyn Family.
Co-organizers (2)
Karla Prater
Organizer
Fort Worth, TX
Paul Asyn
Beneficiary
Joelle Najera
Co-organizer