- N
- H
- U
This Thanksgiving, Jessica Higgins (40) is grateful to be alive, celebrating the holiday with her daughters Alexandra (20), Elizabeth (17) and her fiance, Ashraf.
In December 2019 while working as a nurse, Jessica was among the first wave of those who contracted COVID-19 in the US. As a result, she has had to advocate for herself more than most, including refusing to be intubated on Christmas Day in 2019, a decision that replays regularly as it absolutely saved her life. Jessica has since been diagnosed with Long Haul COVID and we, like so many in her life, have watched from the wings as she has navigated the unimaginable over the last two years, including:
- multiple hospital stays, in and out of the ICU
- being given a life expectancy of 3-5 years
- 24/7 use of oxygen via nasal cannula
- being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders (a direct result of Long Haul COVID)
- not being able to work
- a cardio cath procedure that resulted in partial vision loss in her left eye
- not being able to actively parent her daughters
- losing the wedding she and Ashraf had hoped for
- a coronary artery disease diagnosis
- loss of independence, of a social life
- grieving the loss of her future
- admittance into the COVID recovery program
- and so much more
The list is endless.
And yet, Jessica continues to lead with humor, uses each doctor appointment as an opportunity to expand her own medical knowledge and wows everyone around her with her sheer will to fight for her future.
And yet, Jessica continues to lead with humor, uses each doctor appointment as an opportunity to expand her own medical knowledge and wows everyone around her with her sheer will to fight for her future.
This diagnosis has been full of trauma for Jessica, her girls and Ashraf. She's stoic and steadfast in her determination to survive, but as she enters the third year since the initial exposure, fear lingers and the stress is mounting. In order to maximize her odds, and focus on doing all she can to improve her health, Jessica needs our help.
Please give generously to help Jessica be around for the long haul. We have set a goal of raising $5,000 this Giving Tuesday to assist with the many competing financial priorities, including but not limited to:
Please give generously to help Jessica be around for the long haul. We have set a goal of raising $5,000 this Giving Tuesday to assist with the many competing financial priorities, including but not limited to:
- new glasses, because of her vision change
- a shower chair so she can safely shower as balance becomes more challenging
- ongoing supplies, such as distilled water, to maintain a healthy home environment
- nasal canulas and oxygen tubing
- paying the electric bill, which has tripled because of Jessica's oxygen concentrator
- deep cleaning services
- landscaping services
- HEPA filters for her portable oxygen
- an electric recliner for increased muscle support and safer sleeping postures
- household repairs and upkeep
- and just life, in general
