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It has been said in studies among Elephants that the loyal support and care they have for their fellow members of the herd mimics the tender affection that humans have for each other. When traveling long distances, they stop to make sure all are accounted for, when one is injured or weak, they will encircle the straggler to keep them safe from danger and are often seen using their trunks to extend physical support to those who are sick.
In times like these it is easy to internalize the struggle, keep family matters private, and not feel like one is being a bother to family and friends. The Thomas' have chosen not to do that. Though making these type of sensitive matters public is NOT in their nature, they understand that isolation is not an option. So taking a lesson from the Elephant we, the family and friends that love Jehan dearly, ask that you help us by keeping her in your prayers and offering financial support so that she can have the surgery she needs within the next 60-80 days to remove the 7-9 blood clots in her right lung. Her formal diagnosis is Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) causing great stress to her heart, which is already housing 3 blood clots. The surgery will take place in one of three places (date/location to be determined by her specialist shortly).
· Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
· University of California @ San Diego – La Jolla, CA
· Duke University – Durham, NC .
Funding breakdown is as follows:
· Round trip airfare (4 tickets total) - $1500
Trip for site visit/consultation (2 adults)
Trip for the actual procedure (2 adults)
*will most likely need booking with less than 7 day travel notice.
· Rental Car while onsite - $700
· Lodging during recovery while onsite, 2-6 weeks post-op - $3,000
· Food/Grocery while onsite - $400
· Estimated medical cost (after insurance) - $10,000
· At home recovery expenses, 2-3 months out of work - $4500
Total - $20,100
As one can imagine, we don't know what we don't know. Therefore it is with the greatest urgency that we pen these words. While these needs may be a lot of absorb at first glance, they are subject to increase. Items to consider moving forward not included in the calculations above are medication costs post-surgery (temporary and maintenance meds), medical devices (oxygen tank) and the like are needed once at home. Some of you all who are reading this campaign may be able to help in additional ways based on your employment circumstances. For example, are you working for an airline carrier and offer travel assistance with passes or points? Do you have access to accommodation discounts? We are open to receiving such help and suggestions.
Thank you so much to those who have offered a kind word, sent cards and encouraging messages to the family, and have been at the ready with meals and visits. We thank you in advance from a very special place in our hearts for contributing to her GoFundMe account, every little bit counts. Please feel free to share these details with others we may miss in our overall communication. For your reference, we've provided a link that provides details to her diagnosis.
...and we will rally around her and give her the support she needs.
CTEPH Information
In times like these it is easy to internalize the struggle, keep family matters private, and not feel like one is being a bother to family and friends. The Thomas' have chosen not to do that. Though making these type of sensitive matters public is NOT in their nature, they understand that isolation is not an option. So taking a lesson from the Elephant we, the family and friends that love Jehan dearly, ask that you help us by keeping her in your prayers and offering financial support so that she can have the surgery she needs within the next 60-80 days to remove the 7-9 blood clots in her right lung. Her formal diagnosis is Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) causing great stress to her heart, which is already housing 3 blood clots. The surgery will take place in one of three places (date/location to be determined by her specialist shortly).
· Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
· University of California @ San Diego – La Jolla, CA
· Duke University – Durham, NC .
Funding breakdown is as follows:
· Round trip airfare (4 tickets total) - $1500
Trip for site visit/consultation (2 adults)
Trip for the actual procedure (2 adults)
*will most likely need booking with less than 7 day travel notice.
· Rental Car while onsite - $700
· Lodging during recovery while onsite, 2-6 weeks post-op - $3,000
· Food/Grocery while onsite - $400
· Estimated medical cost (after insurance) - $10,000
· At home recovery expenses, 2-3 months out of work - $4500
Total - $20,100
As one can imagine, we don't know what we don't know. Therefore it is with the greatest urgency that we pen these words. While these needs may be a lot of absorb at first glance, they are subject to increase. Items to consider moving forward not included in the calculations above are medication costs post-surgery (temporary and maintenance meds), medical devices (oxygen tank) and the like are needed once at home. Some of you all who are reading this campaign may be able to help in additional ways based on your employment circumstances. For example, are you working for an airline carrier and offer travel assistance with passes or points? Do you have access to accommodation discounts? We are open to receiving such help and suggestions.
Thank you so much to those who have offered a kind word, sent cards and encouraging messages to the family, and have been at the ready with meals and visits. We thank you in advance from a very special place in our hearts for contributing to her GoFundMe account, every little bit counts. Please feel free to share these details with others we may miss in our overall communication. For your reference, we've provided a link that provides details to her diagnosis.
...and we will rally around her and give her the support she needs.
CTEPH Information