Love & Support for Derrick Jackson
Donation protected
Our Story:
Eight years ago, Derrick and I were sitting in a hospital room at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC), when we learned that he had been diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma--Kidney Cancer. We were shocked, overwhelmed, and scared. While being treated for his cancer, our family was rocked to its core. Derrick is the head of the family. The primary provider. The "Life of the Party." As his health gradually declined, it was clear that all our lives would be forever changed.
Thankfully, the cancer is now gone, but in its place is end-stage renal disease (complete and irreversible kidney failure). Three days a week, Derrick sits for hours for dialysis treatment. He has dealt with countless surgeries, frequent hospitalizations, seizures, painful neuropathy, constant fatigue, and physical weakness. Yet he has never wanted sympathy or asked for support. He just wanted to work to support his family and to become eligible for a kidney transplant. He just wants to feel like his "old self" again.
Many of our family and friends have been following his journey, and you know how hard he has worked to manage his health and finances. However, now he needs your help. Derrick has not been able to work consistently for several years, and COVID has completely kept him isolated at home. Currently, he is at the top of the kidney transplant list. Since October 2020, he has been admitted to the hospital four times, to prepare for a potential kidney from a deceased donor. Each opportunity for him has become a blessing for someone else. Sometimes, we get discouraged, but we're still very grateful. We are praying constantly for Derrick, our future donor, and our doctors. We know that Derrick will have his kidney soon.
Each visit to the hospital adds to his growing debt, and although he is fortunate enough to have health insurance through my employer, it does not cover all the costs for his care and the loss of his income. Once he receives his kidney, his expenses will grow. He'll lose his medical grant from the Kidney Foundation and Medicare. The extra costs for his care will fall squarely on his family. After his kidney transplant, he'll have a 2 to 3 month recovery. He may require home care visits and will need to take 10 or more medicines daily to make sure that his body does not reject the kidney.
Any donations to Derrick's GoFundMe account will be used for his healthcare expenses and household expenses. We will use this site to update you on his progress and success.
Thank you for your consideration, kind words, sincere thoughts, and continued prayers.
Eight years ago, Derrick and I were sitting in a hospital room at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC), when we learned that he had been diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma--Kidney Cancer. We were shocked, overwhelmed, and scared. While being treated for his cancer, our family was rocked to its core. Derrick is the head of the family. The primary provider. The "Life of the Party." As his health gradually declined, it was clear that all our lives would be forever changed.
Thankfully, the cancer is now gone, but in its place is end-stage renal disease (complete and irreversible kidney failure). Three days a week, Derrick sits for hours for dialysis treatment. He has dealt with countless surgeries, frequent hospitalizations, seizures, painful neuropathy, constant fatigue, and physical weakness. Yet he has never wanted sympathy or asked for support. He just wanted to work to support his family and to become eligible for a kidney transplant. He just wants to feel like his "old self" again.
Many of our family and friends have been following his journey, and you know how hard he has worked to manage his health and finances. However, now he needs your help. Derrick has not been able to work consistently for several years, and COVID has completely kept him isolated at home. Currently, he is at the top of the kidney transplant list. Since October 2020, he has been admitted to the hospital four times, to prepare for a potential kidney from a deceased donor. Each opportunity for him has become a blessing for someone else. Sometimes, we get discouraged, but we're still very grateful. We are praying constantly for Derrick, our future donor, and our doctors. We know that Derrick will have his kidney soon.
Each visit to the hospital adds to his growing debt, and although he is fortunate enough to have health insurance through my employer, it does not cover all the costs for his care and the loss of his income. Once he receives his kidney, his expenses will grow. He'll lose his medical grant from the Kidney Foundation and Medicare. The extra costs for his care will fall squarely on his family. After his kidney transplant, he'll have a 2 to 3 month recovery. He may require home care visits and will need to take 10 or more medicines daily to make sure that his body does not reject the kidney.
Any donations to Derrick's GoFundMe account will be used for his healthcare expenses and household expenses. We will use this site to update you on his progress and success.
Thank you for your consideration, kind words, sincere thoughts, and continued prayers.
Organizer
Pamela Jackson
Organizer
Florissant, MO