Pause for a moment and picture your child or a loved one. What would you do for them? To what lengths would you go to protect and shield them from pain, loss, and despair? As a mother, I know the answer to that question - There is no limit. The love parents feel is immeasurable and the lengths we would go for our children knows no bounds. So many mothers I know would lay down their own lives for their kids, it’s innate and part of life.  <iframe media_type="0" media_id="vrEb50FDnxw" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vrEb50FDnxw/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe> Now imagine being told your child will die. They will slowly deteriorate physically until they cannot walk, talk, and eventually not breathe. This is the fate of my kind, loving, beautiful only child Jessica. As a family, we are heartbroken. As I type these words, tears stream down my cheeks. Jessica was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in February of this year and she is very quickly deteriorating. In just five months, her ability to speak has been altered, her mobility is starting to decrease and she in great need of additional medical supports.  Before I detail out her condition and needs, I must first talk about the type of person she is. I say this because she is so much more than this disease. To know her is to love her and she is so loved. Jessica is 30 years old and is an amazing daughter, mother, wife, and friend. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49253120_1593561469105421_r.jpeg" alt="49253120_1593561469105421_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> She is a loving, selfless, and positive woman who has always been an inspiration to others. Jessica is the mother to three beautiful children, all under the age of 12 and is happily married to her husband, Jason. She is giving of her time at the children’s school, the family’s church, and the community. She has the biggest heart. She would give anyone the shirt off her back if it would prevent someone else from feeling cold for just a moment.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49253120_1593561396731149_r.jpeg" alt="49253120_1593561396731149_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> She now needs the help of the community to support her as she manages ALS. This is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It’s a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. As muscles get weaker, it will be harder to walk, talk, breathe and eat. The typical life expectancy after an ALS diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. In her final years of life she will lose the ability to walk, move, and breathe. There is no cure, only supportive care to help her communicate and move her body.  The disease is progressing quickly. Just six months ago she was working as a dental hygienist. Now, she has lost the function of her right arm and is having difficulty speaking. Her husband Jason is doing all he can to support the family through his work but the expected medical bills and needs are coming quickly.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49253120_1593562562692271_r.jpeg" alt="49253120_1593562562692271_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> As her mother, I now ask for your help. I’m asking her friends, family, and even people she hasn’t met to please help us during this difficult time. To support Jessica, she will need adaptive equipment including a wheelchair, a handicap accessible shower, a hospital bed, and ramps. It is Jessica and Jason’s goal to keep Jess in her home with her children until the very end. They believe, as I do, that it’s best to keep the family intact in the loving home they have created together. The items she will need to accomplish this are not covered by insurance and are extremely expensive. She may need surgery and will certainly need in-home care. These will be covered by insurance but the deductibles and copays will be more than Jason’s salary alone can cover.  After countless hours of research, consulting with her team of doctors, and an enormous amount of tears and prayer, we have decided to reach out for your support due to the cost of managing this disease. A close family friend of ours, Kimberly Marek assisted me in putting this page together. Please consider donating what you can and please share this page. We know that times are difficult for everyone and are incredibly grateful for your support. If you are not in a position to donate, we ask that you share this page on your social media or email it to people you know.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49253120_1593562664121986_r.jpeg" alt="49253120_1593562664121986_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Every penny donated will go towards Jessica Story's supportive care to include adaptive equipment and medical costs. As stated above, money will go towards a wheelchair, a hospital bed, adaptive changes to their home to ensure their house is accessible (wheelchair ramps for example). Jessica is the sole beneficiary of all money raised and every cent will go towards her supportive care. We believe in full transparency and plan on updating this page with how the money is spent as well as provide updates on Jess’ health status. We will keep this GoFundMe page open to share her journey.  Her family is proud of her and the life she has made for her and her family. As you can see from the video her friends and family created, she was and will always be the light of our life. This disease does not define her. Her belief in God will get her through this. Jessica will continue to do great things in God’s name as He guides her through her journey. We are so grateful for your support as we navigate this new reality.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49253120_159356289028873_r.jpeg" alt="49253120_159356289028873_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. -Jessica's Mother, Kim Borough

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Saving the Story Family

Saving the Story Family

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