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Jessica Inkston is a 16 year old girl from Newcastle, NSW.
In July 2016, Jessica became unwell. Over the following weeks, she had many visits to doctors and trips to the hospital as her condition deteriorated.
In August, she was admitted to hospital for overnight observation with a possible urinary tract infection or viral illness.
On Sunday the 14th of August, Jessica was unresponsive. Her body had become stiff and her feet were turning inwards.
For the following two weeks Jessica remained in Intensive Care, before finally being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and encephalitis.
This led to a stroke and cerebral infarction. Jessica has remained in hospital since then.
She is now paralysed on her left-hand side and is unable to communicate. She is fed through a gastrostmony tube (peg), and is totally dependent on others for care and her everyday needs.
With this, comes the realisation of the full extent of the care which Jessica and her parents will now have to rely on.
They must move to a home that can accommodate the needs of a person with a physical disability. This not only means the family will have to leave the support network of their current community, but also means the house will require extensive modification.
24-hour support from carers will also be essential, as will the equipment that enables Jessica to be cared for outside of the hospital environment.
We, her family, have been deeply saddened by the trauma that Jessica has experienced, and must now come to terms with the devastating reality that the cheeky and inquisitive young girl we watched grow up now does not exist in the same way she once did.
We’re asking you to help us help Jessica.
Any money raised will help us purchase a modified vehicle to transport Jessica to medical appointments, family events, visit friends, and simply be able to enjoy the activities she could once do freely. The family also plan to hold fundraisers and events throughout the coming months to raise money to assist Jessica and her parents.
Your support is greatly appreciated and any donation will make a huge difference!
Jess at physio and relearning how to write her name
Jess on her 16th birthday with her mum and dad
In July 2016, Jessica became unwell. Over the following weeks, she had many visits to doctors and trips to the hospital as her condition deteriorated.
In August, she was admitted to hospital for overnight observation with a possible urinary tract infection or viral illness.
On Sunday the 14th of August, Jessica was unresponsive. Her body had become stiff and her feet were turning inwards.
For the following two weeks Jessica remained in Intensive Care, before finally being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and encephalitis.
This led to a stroke and cerebral infarction. Jessica has remained in hospital since then.
She is now paralysed on her left-hand side and is unable to communicate. She is fed through a gastrostmony tube (peg), and is totally dependent on others for care and her everyday needs.
With this, comes the realisation of the full extent of the care which Jessica and her parents will now have to rely on.
They must move to a home that can accommodate the needs of a person with a physical disability. This not only means the family will have to leave the support network of their current community, but also means the house will require extensive modification.
24-hour support from carers will also be essential, as will the equipment that enables Jessica to be cared for outside of the hospital environment.
We, her family, have been deeply saddened by the trauma that Jessica has experienced, and must now come to terms with the devastating reality that the cheeky and inquisitive young girl we watched grow up now does not exist in the same way she once did.
We’re asking you to help us help Jessica.
Any money raised will help us purchase a modified vehicle to transport Jessica to medical appointments, family events, visit friends, and simply be able to enjoy the activities she could once do freely. The family also plan to hold fundraisers and events throughout the coming months to raise money to assist Jessica and her parents.
Your support is greatly appreciated and any donation will make a huge difference!
Jess at physio and relearning how to write her name Jess on her 16th birthday with her mum and dadOrganizer
Samantha Smith
Organizer
Kahibah, NSW