I am Jileen and am currently in the hospital recovering from four major spine surgeries to repair my compressed spinal cord that was causing paralysis in my body. If left untreated I would have eventually become fully paralyzed.

I am a freelance graphic designer and have not been able to work since July. This has caused major difficulties covering my living expenses which is the reason for this fundraiser. (My medical bills are covered by insurance.)

I entered the hospital mid-July 2024 for surgery. Unfortunately, I have extremely brittle bones causing the surgery to fail. Two more surgeries also failed. The fourth surgery has been successful but requires me to wear a large metal collar on my head for up to a year. During the last surgery I lost my ability to breathe on my own and was unconscious on a breathing tube for a few weeks.

I also have permanent limited neck movement and my ability to swallow food and liquids is damaged. I am on feeding tubes and have not eaten actual food or had a drink of water in more than a month. Speech therapy might fix that, but the damage could be permanent.

I am currently in the hospital waiting to transfer to an intense two week physical therapy rehab program.

I have to rent a new apartment as my previous unit had too many stairs that would be too dangerous and difficult for me to enter and exit the place now. I will need to purchase some new furniture as well. The money raised will go towards these items. (I will not be living with my mom at discharge as previously planned due to logistics so I absolutely need my own place to go.)



The money will also be used to pay for months of necessary doggie daycare. Knowing my babies were safe and well-cared for during my medical nightmare meant everything to me.

It will also likely take some time for me to be able to drive so money will also go towards delivery fees for groceries, etc.

I do not know what caused my spine injury. My doctor said my spine just wore out and I’m just unlucky. One morning in December 2023 I woke up with numbness in my arms and legs and was off-balance walking and moving.

I was losing my dad at the time and chose to ignore my condition. It was minor at first and gradually got worse over several months. I was afraid to address it because I didn’t want to stop volunteering with the shelter pups which means so much to me. I also didn’t want to lose my wonderful life as I knew it. This nightmare has of course disrupted everything I love, but I can absolutely get a lot of my life back - but it’s going to take time and a lot of work.

I am beyond grateful to my friends and family who have shown so much love and support. It means the world!