Help the Michalenko Family Overcome WM

Hello everyone, I am organizing this for the Michalenko family which are dear friends who have been struck with a devastating and incurable diagnosis. Jillian is a fellow birthworker, passionate student midwife, labor and delivery nurse, and triplet mom to four kiddos- her youngest still being under a year old. I hope to share a bit more about their story below from Jillian's perspective- and to raise some funds to support them through this time.

--------Jillian's Story-------

My name is Jillian Michalenko and I'm reaching out to share a personal journey that has recently become an unexpected and challenging reality for me and my family. In December of 2023, I was diagnosed with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, an extremely rare type of incurable non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This diagnosis has turned our lives upside down and we are now turning to GoFundMe to share our story and seek assistance.

Following my diagnosis, I immediately began treatment in January of 2024. My symptoms from Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia and the ongoing treatment are debilitating which means I am unable to continue working as a Labor & Delivery nurse. The fatigue alone makes it difficult for me to complete daily tasks, let alone maintain a job. Despite this, I am determined to continue my education in Nurse Midwifery so I can hopefully return to work and provide a better future for myself and my kids.

Unfortunately, I'm only at the beginning of my journey with this disease and the financial strain of medical bills and everyday living costs has become overwhelming. Nicholas and I are doing everything we can and are now turning to our community for help with alleviating some of the burden.

Your donations will go directly towards covering my medical bills, our essential living expenses, and childcare costs so Nicholas can continue to work while I focus on my health. With your help, I can spend my limited energy fighting this disease and being a mom to my energetic 3 year old triplets Nico, Sadie, Chloe, and my 11-month old son, Milo.

Nicholas and I are launching this campaign on April 17th 2024, the 1st Annual International Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Awareness Day and the day after my 34th birthday. It feels like the most fitting time to share my experience with WM and ask for financial help as we cope with the life-altering effects of my diagnosis.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering my story. My family and I deeply appreciate any support you're able to offer, no matter the amount.

With gratitude,

Jillian, Nicholas, Nico, Sadie, Chloe, and Milo

If you'd like to learn about WM, visit the Int'l Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Foundation.