Jess' Journey to HSCT

This is my wife of eleven years, Jessicca. Five years ago, we received news that no one ever wants to hear. My wife had been diagnosed with two rare diseases (CIDP & Autoimmune Encephalopathy) that systematically attack her nervous system & brain. Jessicca was six months away from completing nursing school in the top ten percent of her class when she began experiencing strange symptoms. While working on the daunting task of completing one of the most difficult education programs, she also had the full-time task of maintaining a family consisting of young daughters and myself, working part-time, as well as volunteering on our local fire department as an EMT. Her favorite part of working with the volunteer fire department was fire safety and educating children. If I said my wife had her hands full, it would be a massive understatement. Jess has never been one to coast through life. She was always working, helping anyone who could use a hand, volunteering whenever possible. She also faithfully attended our daughters’ many school and extracurricular activities and helped with homework or school projects daily. Jess’ illnesses cause seizures, difficulty walking, extreme fatigue, vision problems, severe pain, cognitive problems, bowel and bladder problems, thermal irregularities, frequent nausea, and a host of other difficulties that severely impact her ability to live a normal life. Trips to the emergency room are all too frequent. One of the hardest things I have ever done is watch helplessly as my wife slowly deteriorates each day, and there is nothing I can do to stop it from happening. Jess has tried a myriad of treatments, but nothing has stopped the progression of these relentless diseases. During the past several years of researching and applying her nursing knowledge, Jess discovered that a stem cell transplant called HSCT has been making leaps and bounds in not only stopping the progression of CIDP, but as a potential cure. We are elated that Jess has been accepted as a patient to receive HSCT! Unfortunately, insurance will not cover the cost of this life-saving treatment, so Jess must travel abroad. The cost of the procedure is $54,500, which does not include the cost of travel and rehabilitation after the procedure. The deadline to pay for Jess’ treatment is quickly approaching. Her treatment date will be given to another patient in need if we cannot meet the funding deadline. We would greatly appreciate any and all donations, no matter how small, to help offset the expenses of this life-saving procedure.  We are trying to reach our goal by November 2019! Please keep Jess in your prayers as this has been and will be a difficult journey. Bless you all!