Support Kassie's Fight Against WKS

Hi, I’m P.J. and my sister is Kassie.

In October 2024, Kassie developed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome from a severe thiamine deficiency. WKS is brain damage that affects memory, mood stability, and coordination. My family and I have been trying to convince her to move back to Illinois from California so that we can support her. Since she doesn’t have any short-term memory, she becomes frustrated when we try to explain her condition and that she needs to come home to be with her son. She is so scared and confused. We have tried working with adult protective services and lawyers, but these systems are not built for people in Kassie's position.

I am flying out there next week, April 24th, in a last-ditch effort. She needs immediate medical attention and is uninsured since she lost her job due to her condition. I might not be able to convince her to come home alone, so my parents and brother might need to fly out so that we can all beg her in person. Luckily, she has not been resistant when I tell her I am coming out there to stay with her but shuts down and hangs up when we try to talk about her coming to Illinois. My sister was very independent and sometimes stubborn before the brain damage, and she needs someone with her to repeatedly remind her of her son and of all her potential. People with WKS have about 8 years to live after diagnosis and if she stays out there, her frontal lobe will continue to atrophy and she will die much sooner than that.

My family and I appreciate any and all support! Thank you for reading Kassie's story.