My name is Shannon D., and I am trying to raise money for my dearest and best friend. She has gone through too many surgeries already.

Her name is Jennifer Yates, and she has been through an incredibly difficult medical journey over the past three years. She developed life-threatening ulcers that led to major stomach surgery, removing a large portion of her stomach. Unfortunately, she didn’t heal properly and was dismissed by doctors for months until she finally found help at Cleveland Clinic.

Since then, she has undergone multiple corrective surgeries, including a vagotomy, and two emergency operations for life-threatening intestinal twists. She now relies on a feeding tube, struggles with severe pain, bloating, and neuropathy, and has been hospitalized multiple times for infections.

A year ago, she developed sepsis, which resulted in neurological complications and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Her FND has caused blurry vision, physical impairments, cognitive difficulties, and speech issues, making daily life extremely challenging. Her illness often leaves her bedridden at times due to symptoms, and she is currently in physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain her independence.

On top of this, her pancreas no longer produces enzymes needed to digest food, and her chronic pain treatments are not covered by insurance. She cannot work, faces overwhelming medical bills, therapy costs, and daily living expenses, and has children at home to support.

The surgery lasted 11 hours, and her surgeon had to make a large incision from her breastbone to below her navel, closed with 38 staples. This was a massive operation, but it was necessary to address the severe complications that have been destroying her quality of life for so long.

Now, her long and complicated healing journey has officially begun. She is facing significant pain, intense physical limitations, and a long hospital stay before she can even think about returning home. Recovery is expected to take many months, and she will require extensive therapy, ongoing medical care, specialized medications, and support with everyday living.

Your donations, prayers, and shares mean more now than ever. Every bit of help gives her the strength and stability she needs as she starts this difficult — but hopeful — new chapter in her fight to heal. ❤️

This fundraiser will help cover:

Medical bills and hospital expenses not covered by insurance

Enzyme replacement medication

Chronic pain treatments

Therapy (physical, occupational, and speech)

Daily living expenses while she cannot work

Jennifer has shown incredible strength. With your help, she can focus on healing and work toward living without constant pain, regaining full mobility, and enjoying life again.

Please help with her medical journey!!

Thank you for taking your time and reading this!