Jovanita

Hello All,

I'm reaching out to you because, with the help of a good friend, I've started a GoFundMe account for my youngest daughter, Jovanita, whom we call Jovi.

Jovi is 10 years old and suffers from one of the rarest diseases in the world, FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva). FOP is a condition that affects approximately 700 people worldwide (https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/fibrodysplasia-ossificans-progressiva#statistics) and gradually turns connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments into hardened bone (ossification). 

Right now, Jovi is fighting for her life. 

Two weeks ago, she was rushed to Hasbro Children's Hospital due to a sudden blockage in her bowels.  Since then, she has undergone multiple procedures and is currently connected to a feeding tube.  It is very possible she will need surgery, but we are hoping that she won't because any trauma--and surgery is trauma-- that requires healing of tissues has a high risk of those tissues calcifying in patients with FOP.   

Over the past 2 weeks, she has had ups and downs and I have had to I remain with her almost around the clock.  This has resulted in me using up all my allowed sick days from work, and I am now at the point of losing income because of I am not able to return to work until Jovi is well. 

Needless to say, this is heartbreaking for me. 

I am the sole provider for my family.  Although I have received plenty of emotional support from my family and friends--and I am grateful for that--I am in need of financial assistance. In addition to the costs associated with Jovi's hospital stay that are not covered under insurance, there will be  ongoing costs for her care  when she is eventually released from the hospital. As you can imagine, our mortgage and other expenses are starting to pile up and I don't anticipate any income until I can return to work.   

Therefore, I am asking you to please make a donation to Jovi's Fund.  My family and I greatly appreciate it.