Main fundraiser photo

Jillian's Fight for AML

Donation protected

On August 25th 2014 my vibrant, beautiful daughter was diagnosed with AML, an acute form of Leukemia.
In the weeks prior Jillian began experiencing severe bleeding and bruising. She could barely get out of bed due to severe migraines and overall sickness. Our morning on the 25th began with a primary doctor visit, the doctor took one look at her and we were directly sent to Emergency Room. The Palos Emergency room was no different, the nurses were in shock and couldn't control their emotions, Jillian later told me she over heard the nurses talking about the lack of color in her eyes, and her bruises that now covered her head to toe had them convinced it was liver failure. However, something much worse was going on, Leukemia.  She refused so many times to go in to the doctor in the previous weeks, later she confessed to her father that she knew deep down she had this form of cancer, and thought this was it.  The head doctor at the Emergency room came in by us, we were given a small isolation room, which already worried me to my core.  The doctor began rambling on and on about her blood counts and that they were at a deadly level, Jill polietly asked "why would that be' and then it came, "Because of your leukemia" BAM! And he was out the door. I looked down on my daughters face, I will never forget that look no matter how much I try, pure fear. We both just started sobbing holding each other, as her Father and I made a promise that we will fight this, and we will beat it. We were then sent to ICU and later that night transferred to the University of Chicago oncology unit. Since there was no history of this form of cancer in our family we had no idea what we were now faced with or what the future would hold. The next six weeks we spent in the hospital undergoing aggressive treatment, which were the hardest weeks of my life. Watching my daughter screaming from pain and there was nothing I could do for her, I've never in my life saw anyone this sick. There were many ups and downs and numerous set-backs during this difficult time. Since discharge Jillian has been continuing with outpatient Chemotherapy and travels to the University of Chicago 5 days a week.
If this was not enough for a young 27 yr old to deal with, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are also in the process of loosing our home, the home she grew up in. Which is the worst timing ever because she loves our house and moving in between chemotherapy treatments is proving to be a nightmare. We are desperately trying to find affordable housing before our deadline is up. With the inability to work until Jillian's treatment are completed and she is strong enough, her options are limited, which is hard for her to deal with. Her medical bills are astronomical and her mailbox continues to be filled on a daily basis.
She's currently dealing with a setback, but keeps on fighting! I couldn't begin to list what this poor girl has gone through. I am in awe of this young woman, who walks through fire with a smile on her face, and never looses her faith.
But all of this going on
the stress of everything has effected both her physical and mental states. Her dream to have a large family one day and be a Mom are beginning to fade away a little more each day. That has been her focus, her strength, to someday become a mother herself.  She is perfectly fine going through her harsh treatments, as long as it doesn't interrupt with her having children of her own.
She has a kind and generous soul and knows first hand how Cancer can affect the lives of children, as she has volunteered at a Cancer camp for the last several years. She was helping a cause that she would eventually face herself.
Please help Jillian get back her lively spirit and allow her dream to continue.
I'm reaching out on her behalf, as she is too humble to do so on her own.
Jillian needs your assistance and prayers.
God Bless !!!!!!!


Donate

Donations 

  • Marie Kieskowski
    • $50 
    • 9 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Kathleen Mary
Organizer
Orland Park, IL

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.