Support Jess's Journey to Mayo Clinic Care

Hello, my name is Jessica, but people usually call me Jess. A year ago I started my journey in law enforcement and was getting ready to go to the police academy. That is no longer the case. 5 or 6 years ago, I started to have a hard time eating certain foods. After some trial and error, I figured out it was gluten-related. I did a blood test and it came back negative for celiacs, but I was told I had NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity).

Obviously I was upset, but through the years I grew to accept it and even appreciate it a little. Last year, my work decided to give us the option to choose our health insurance. One of the options open to us was United Healthcare. When I saw that May Clinic was in-network, I immediately said yes. I knew that I was going to have to get tested for celiacs at one point in time, but I needed the insurance. In late 2024, I called Mayo and scheduled the appointment. I was lucky enough to get scheduled for January of 2025.

When the day of the appointment came, my dad and I left Albuquerque, New Mexico and made the 6+ hour drive through horrible weather (it had decided to snow, of course) and horrible traffic. I barely made the appointment and after having my first appointment with my provider, she wanted me to have blood tests done, but they couldn’t be done until the next morning. My dad and I already had a feeling we’d be staying the night, but we weren’t sure. We spent a few hours looking for a hotel and sure enough, we found one. The next day, I went in for my tests and then we went home.

This week, I was told that I had tested positive for the permissive genes for Celiacs and that I would need to stay on a gluten-free diet. I was also told that I would have to do another allergy panel and see a dietitian, so I got those scheduled for March. The other day, I had to book a hotel room because I know I’m staying at least one night and will have to pay for gas and food.

While I work full-time, I am doing more OT than I’m used to. Rent has gone up and now I have to factor in trips out of state for medical care as well as making sure my car is safe to drive long distances.

My health is extremely important to me, but I know I can’t do this without help. And that’s what I’m asking for. Please have the grace and understanding to help me financially with this new medical journey that I am on.

I am scared that I won’t be able to afford my trips and if you’re reading this and know anything about Mayo Clinic, then you know it’s one of the best, if not THE best place to go, for autoimmune diseases/disorders. Please help me get to where I need to be so that I can do what I would love to do. Make a difference in my life so that I can make a difference in the lives of others.

All my love and appreciation,

Jessica aka Jess