Jane's Journey with Multiple Sclerosis

Hi, this is Jenny, Sarah, Paige, Jenn and Amelia.

We are writing in support of our dear friend and sister-in-law Jane who was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of Multiple Sclerosis in the beginning of 2023.

For those of you who know Jane, she is a very strong, independent, fierce woman. An amazing friend, wife and mother. She is a shining light in our lives, but it is difficult to watch her navigate life in this changed body/brain. It's a lot to come to terms with the fact that this gorgeous, healthy force of a woman is now completely and permanently disabled (writes her neurologist).

In May 2022, she contracted the COVID virus. She quickly realized her abilities to function were rapidly diminishing. After months of not being able to really walk (and numerous falls) or talk/think well she was determined to find out what was actually going on. Through multiple doctors’ visits, she was finally referred to a neurologist who ordered a brain scan and a spinal tap. The MRIs revealed she had 24 lesions across her brain and spinal cord.

It had quickly become difficult for her to do all the things that she loved, like walking, cooking, playing sports, conversing, yoga and riding her bike to the beach. There is very little Jane can do anymore (both physically and cognitively) and it has dramatically changed her life forever.

Her recent acute relapse last month was a shocking reminder of how quickly everything can simply go away. She once said it's like her "immune system is eating my brain!". She is suddenly unable to walk, her speech spasticity often renders her mute, her hand tremors and muscle weakness make holding a water glass impossible and her cognition rapidly declines. A brief stay in the ER with IV steroids can help calm the central nervous system and get her back to a period of remission. Sadly, she often isn't able to fully regain what was lost.

Jane loved her job in public service providing mental health services for underserved populations. It's been devastating for her to give that up and no longer be able to provide for her family. Just last month she had to end her career and she is now without income or medical/pension benefits.

If you are able to make a gift for Jane and her family, it will help support the following:

Thank you to those who have already supported Jane and family with DoorDash meal delivery. We know that Jane is immensely appreciative for everyone's support and gratitude. It isn't easy for her to accept help in this way, but like MS, it is out of her control and she now sees how much help she and her family needs.