Jessica Green's (Aftem) Medical Expenses

My name is Marissa Erickson, and my sister Jessica needs some help with travel and medical costs.

Jess is a 39-year-old busy mother of three kids (21, 9, 8). She worked as a nurse for about 13 years, up until 2020 when she got Covid. As we know, Covid affects us all differently, and she was one of the very unlucky ones who it completely changed her life.

Jessica's immune system went into overdrive and after an entire year of not feeling well, she was finally diagnosed with Tracheobronchomalacia or TBM for short. Basically, her trachea (windpipe) is in severe collapse. Over time, this will worsen and be life-threatening. *here is the website for more info https://www.curetbm.org/

Jessica experiences extreme shortness of breath at all times limiting most of her activities and causing air hunger, making her feel very anxious. She suffers severe coughing fits, several times daily, which have caused several broken ribs in the past. Due to frequent illness related to the disruption of her airway, she has needed to be on high-dose steroids and has had many bouts of pneumonia.

After about two and a half years of struggling with breathing and feeling completely drained, Jessica found some hope in Boston. In January of this year, she and my mom flew to Boston for her first surgery. They put in a test stent! She said that she forgot how it felt to breathe normally! The test stent was a success, although since it was only a test stent, it was removed and they scheduled her second surgery (hopefully the last).

Her 2nd surgery is an intense 11+ hours requiring 2 surgeons. She and my mom will be flying to Boston in April. She will stay in the ICU/hospital after her surgery for about a week. After she is released from the hospital, she will have to spend at least 2 more weeks in Boston in case there are any complications. She will be away from her husband and kids for about a month.

While insurance does cover some of the costs, Jessi hasn't been able to work and travel costs are expensive. Anything you can spare to help her would be very much appreciated. Also, any prayers are welcome during this complicated surgery. Thank you!