“​OPEN YOUR HEART for Jessica Berrios' Open Heart Surgery Recovery Fund”

Hi​, ​my name is Yvette LaFle​c​he​ and ​I am Jessica Berrio​s'​​​ ​A​unt. ​Jazmin Barnett and I have started this this go fund me page​. Jessica is ​a single ​mom of two girls, Jazmin, age 18, and Gabby, age 12. These funds will go to helping Jessica and her family​ to help ​pay for the numerous copays, medical expenses, hospital bills and ​other expenses associated with her Open Heart Surgery.​

 

 

 

 

​Background​

12 years ago at the age of 27, Jessica had​ her first Open ​H​eart ​S​urgery ​at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass ​to repair her ​mitral ​valve. Her surgery was extensive and recovery period long.​ ​At that time, her prognosis was good, but the Cardiac Surgeon said that she would need another surgery to replace her mitral valve. ​Over the last 2 years, Jessica accomplished a major goal by completing all ​of the requirements, certification and licensing as a Dental Hygienist. Jessica has always be very determined and courageous and unafraid to take on new challenges that would help her and her kids!

 

​Relocated to FL in 2020​

​Jessica accomplished yet another goal of relocating to Spring Hill/Brooksville, FL to be close to her family. Prior to her move, she passed her Florida Dental Hygienist boards/licensing to prepare her for the job application process. Once again,Jessica's determination to succeed payed off as she accepted her dream job in Brooksville, packed the Uhaul and moved to FL.

 

 

​Recent Onset of Symptoms​

​Approximately 2-3 months ago, Jessica started experiencing chest discomfort and ​cardiovascular symptoms. ​She scheduled an appt with a local ​C​ardiologist ​as an initial consult. She soon found herself going for a number of non-invasive tests initially (EKGs, Labs, Ultrasound, XRays, etc..). As a result, her Cardiologist recommended that Jessica see a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Early indications were pointing towards another Surgery. She also needed other Cardiac testing to include a TEE and Cardiac Cath as a pre-op procedures in advance of Open Heart Surgery replacing her Mitral Valve. Once again, Jessica was faced with yet another major, Open Heart Surgery. 

 

Open Heart Surgery - Friday, Nov 12, 2021

​Oak Hill Hospital - ​Brooksville, FL (https://oakhillhospital.com )​

​Jessica was admitted and underwent Open Heart Surgery last Friday (11/12) morning​. The surgery was expected to last 3-5 hours. Unfortunately, Jessica's surgery lasted approx 11 Hours due to significant scar tissue from her last surgery 12 years ago. Of course her family was concerned due to the length of the procedure.​​The OR team kept Jeanette informed during the operation. Kudos to the OR Team for being faced with a formidable, unexpected event that they were faced with!​

 

​​Update (1) week 1

​Jessie has been in the ICU since post op. Because of the length of her surgery and intermittent procedures over the last week, her progress has been very slow and measured. Jessica's mom, Jeanette, has been by her side 24/7 (day and night). She has ensured that all communications, questions, meds, test results has been received and communicated. Her medical team recently identified fluid buildup (Pleural Effusion) between the lungs and chest wall as well as edema in her extremities. This was also causing pain and coughing. They drained the fluid and inserted a line to drain the fluid to prevent buildup again. Jessica has been heroic facing not just another major surgery, but the physical & mental strength that it takes to endure all phases of this operation. Jessica has started walking and is slowly able to eat and get her strength back. So overall, her first week has had its ups and downs, but recent intervention should allow for more progress. It is amazing what willpower this family has - prayers, hope, courage, faith.....

 

A CALL FOR HELP - Financial Contributions​​

​So you can all imagine the copays and out of pocket expenses that are associated with preop, in hosp and post op at home medical expenses that add up very quickly. Even with insurance coverage, expenses can break many families financially. Any contributions, small or large, whether family, friend, co-worker or anyone wanting to contribute would be greatly appreciated! The Love that has been exhibited by this family has been overwhelming. While Jessica has been on family medical leave, her income has been negatively impacted. There is going to be a long journey of healing. Financial contributions can help relieve some of the stress that is brought on by financial worries and medical bills. Thank you all in advance for your support and prayers. PLEASE share this GoFundMePage via Fb, Instagram and other social media platforms. Your prayers and contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!