Jessemy Hudson Harris: J.E.S.S. & Life with ALS

In Loving Memory of Jessemy Hudson Harris

January 10, 1971 - June 18, 2024

Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend.

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My name is Suzy Starke German and forty years ago a group of girls met at Petaluma Junior High School and formed what has proven to be a lifelong friendship.

Together we’ve experienced easy periods and harder ones, wonderful moments and deeply painful ones. There have been challenges and heartbreak – triumphs and celebrations and through it all we have remained the best of friends.

Through Junior High, High School, College, Careers, Marriage, and Parenting we’ve grown together - and each of our circles have expanded to include not only life partners and children, but additional lifelong friends and colleagues. Our lives collectively have grown richer by the people we’ve met and brought into each others’ lives.

Today I’m asking you to join me as a member of this circle in supporting one of our own, Jessemy Hudson Harris, as she and her family face an incredible new reality.

In March of 2023, Jessemy was diagnosed with ALS. Nothing could have prepared her or any of us for what has followed.

Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS yet.

Jessemy’s life over the last many months has rapidly and dramatically changed. She no longer has use of her arms, hands or legs and requires 24 hour care.

Her husband of 25+ years, Dave and their two college-aged children, Dylan and Mia, have been by her side as she takes on each new day and each new challenge.

Thank goodness she and Daves’ love language is humor because that is what makes their home still so full of light, laughter and love. Jessemy has always been and still remains the wittiest gal in the room!

As word has gotten out about her illness so many people have asked how they can best support Jessemy and her family. Jessemy is a very private and prideful person, but after many discussions, she and Dave have allowed me to start this GoFundMe to raise important dollars towards her caregiving needs.

Since late 2022, Dave has been acting as her full-time primary caregiver with support from Jessemy’s extended family and close friends. Unfortunately, due to the rapid progression of the disease, to keep Jessemy safe and comfortable, it has become increasingly clear that qualified home care is required on an ongoing basis.

Despite having good insurance, home care is not covered and it is estimated that Jessemy’s care needs may be over $300,000 this year. In the immediate, the greatest need is for funding that will allow for up to two additional caregivers to rotate into the support process, which will be immensely helpful for both Dave and Jessemy. Additionally, they are working on procuring equipment, such as a ceiling mounted lift which will help Jessemy navigate between her bed and wheelchair.

With their permission, Jessemy and Dave have humbly allowed me to try to raise $100,000 to help offset the financial hurdles they are facing.

If you are able, please give.

If you prefer to give in another way or connect directly with Jessemy and Dave, please contact me to discuss alternative options (anonymous donations are also supported by the platform).

The diagnosis has been devastating for their entire family, and as their life experience evolves, the difficulties they face increase on a daily basis. But, the entire family remains strong and dedicated to keeping Jessemy as comfortable as possible as her journey continues - please send all your love and light to the Harris Family.

Thank you for joining Jessemy’s Extended Support Squad AKA J.E.S.S.!

With deep gratitude,

Suzy Starke German

For more information about ALS, please visit https://www.als.org