Jackie’s Medical, Trauma and Recovery Expenses

Hi I’m Josh and I would like to introduce my beautiful wife Jackie. Many of you know her journey, many of you do not. She is the strongest, and most inspirational person I have ever known. Apologies for the long story, but she has had an incredibly long fight.

7 years ago Jackie suffered a traumatic brain injury stemming from a sinus surgery. We found her completely unresponsive in bed, and was rushed into surgery. The prognosis was not good. The neurosurgeons did not expect her to make it through, but she fought. She fought to be there for her 2 amazing children. The surgeons removed the left side of her skull to clean the infection and were not able to replace it due to the extent of the infection. Post operation we found out that she had also suffered 2 strokes. The combined strokes and brain trauma have left permanent damage to Jackie’s vision, memory, speech and balance.

2 months later the surgeons attempted to place a prosthetic to cover the left side of her skull. 2 weeks after it had to be removed as her body was rejecting it. Since then Jackie has had 25 procedures to try and provide protection for the left side of her brain. One of them leaving a bruise on her brain which left her with aphasia. At one point she had no more skin to work with, and had 2 quarter sized holes in her head exposing the most recent prosthetic. Ultimately she was referred to an AMAZING surgeon who was able to take part of her stomach and attach it to the left side of her head. This has all taken a very big tole on Jackie and she suffers from severe PTSD. She now needs to go through EMDR therapy 4 times a month to help cope with her trauma.

Fast forward to present. It’s been 4 years since Jackie has not had any protection for the left side of her brain, and just had another major surgery this week. Three floating ribs were taken from her back and crafted into a skull! It is truly mind blowing what these surgeons can do! She is doing well and in recovery, but her history of infection and wound closure are a big concern. Jackie has not been able to work since her initial traumatic brain injury. She requires regular visits with her neurosurgeon, neurologist, head and neck surgeon, EMDR therapist, and frequent MRI’s.

Jackie is a true fighter, and still has a long road of recovery ahead of her (crossing fingers that this last surgery comes with no complications). The burden financially has been extensive. Any support to help Jackie with her medical expenses would be a blessing.