Update 5/18/26:

Hi everyone! Marvelous news: Jeresa has found a new job and has started work after being away for some time!

The bad news, and why this fundraiser has been reactivated: Jeresa's unemployment claim was unfortunately and unexpectedly denied, despite all of her efforts. While she has just started working again, she is now behind on several bills and needs our help once again. If you are able to, please consider donating to ensure she has a great new start!

Update 2/11/26:

Times are serious...Jeresa has made the very difficult to decision to resign from her position as massage therapist after 7 years of serving patients at UK Healthcare, after exhausting all of her options. Her doctor has recommended at least 4-6 additional weeks of physical therapy following her 6 week recovery period post-surgery, given the delicate nature of her back injuries.

This means Jeresa has been out of work, without stable income, for FOUR MONTHS. This is monumentally devastating. She still needs our help as she transitions to her next phase. She needs assistance with rent, phone/internet/utility/water bills, groceries, ...just existing.

Within the span of one year, she's required surgery for one severely herniated disc, lost her mom, and required surgery on two more severely herniated discs due to medical negligence.

She needs our support now more than ever. Any amount you can give will make a difference.

Update 1/21/26:

Good morning, all! Jeresa is still doing very well as she waits for her recovery period to be completed. We're almost at the finish line, but still need donations to assist with housing, bills, and groceries. If you are unable to donate at this time, please consider sharing this post. Thank you all so much!

Update 1/5/26:

Happy new year, everyone! Jeresa's surgery went very well and she's been catching up on some much-needed rest. She has approximately one more month of recovery before attempting to get back to work, so support is still needed to ensure she can pay her rent and bills. Every little bit helps, and we are so incredibly grateful for your kindness!

Update 12/10/25:

Surgery rescheduled to 12/18...this adds on yet another week without work or income for Jeresa. Please share!!

Update 12/2/25:

Jeresa was thankfully able to keep her apartment with all of your help! The BIG news is....Jeresa has two new severely herniated discs and has surgery on Friday, 12/12 followed by a SIX WEEK recovery period. This means she will have been out of work, without a stable income, for at least 12 weeks total.

These next two months will be crucial for Jeresa's physical recovery and overall mental health, especially with holidays quickly approaching. If you are financially able, please consider donating for any utilities, groceries, bills, food, or little gifts. Throughout this whole ordeal, she has persevered and suffered to get to this point of a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. Fingers and toes crossed for a successful surgery!

Update 11/2/25:

81% funded!! You all are the best...we are that much closer to our goal for dear Jeresa. Time is of the essence... Keep sharing!

Update 10/28/25:

The fundraising goal has been revised to reflect Jeresa's emergent needs. GoFundMe has a "recommended" goal that is usually lower than what's actually needed. Jeresa needs $4100 to keep her housing...and that doesn't account for food, utilities, healthcare, and other basic living expenses.

PLEASE continue to share and donate as you're able!

Update 10/27/25:

76% of the way there!!! Just a bit more and we can ensure that Jeresa will be able to keep her housing secure as she continues to recover.

Update 10/25/25:

Wow!! We are over 50% funded! While this initial goal of $3.5k is just short of the total funds needed for Jeresa to maintain her housing while she waits for treatment, it will help a great deal. Please continue sharing on behalf of this wonderful human!

Update 10/21/25:

Jeresa has been given a short extension to procure funds to avoid eviction, and she is safely housed at THIS time. However, she's not out of the woods yet; her pain persists and she STILL needs to pay for rent and treatment, let alone for other basic living essentials (utilities, food, etc.). Please consider donating if you are able!

Jeresa is a dear friend and co-worker who has endured consecutive emotional, physical/medical, and financial hardships this past year. After losing her mother to cancer, she immediately had to undergo spinal surgery for ongoing pervasive back and mobility pain. This required extensive rest and rehabilitation before she could return to work as a medical massage therapist, healing those in their most painful and vulnerable moments, all while navigating her own with little support. Now she's experienced a severe relapse in her degenerative disc disease and is on strict orders of bed rest and further diagnostic testing for 6 weeks. Unfortunately, this comes at a steep financial price with dire and immediate housing needs.

Jeresa is someone who gives her all to her patients, family, and friends. Now she needs that care reflected back at her so she can secure reliable, safe housing as she continues to address her chronic pain.