Help Support our Mom Jacky's Leukemia & Amputation Recovery

As some of you may know, Our Mom Jackellyn McManus

(Torppey-Hunsicker) was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia called Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) on July 15. Leukemia is a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. CMML is one of the most challenging forms of leukemia because it slowly damages the body over time while remaining difficult to treat. It weakens the immune system, causes chronic fatigue, and can lead to fatal complications.

Mom has fought through countless blood tests, blood transfusions, platelets infusions, 7 hr chemo drips, scans, chemo shots, medications, and a stem cell transplant. A month after she received her Stem Cell transplant, she was supposed to be discharged to an apartment in Hackensack where she would receive 24/7 care from family who would help her get to her numberless appointments every week. She couldn't wait!

I was on my way to transfer all her belongings and pick up my Mommy when all of a sudden I got a call that her legs weren't working. She was in extreme pain and could barely keep her eyes open. I walked into her hospital room where she was surrounded by two doctors and five nurses. She was screaming in pain. It was heartbreaking to watch.

After a few tests and a very long procedure the Vascular Doctor noticed that she has multiple blood clots running from her left groin area all the way down to her foot. When blood clots block circulation and prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching the leg, the pain is excruciating, deep, and relentless. When muscles lose oxygen, they go into severe spasms that feel like a never-ending charley horse or a deep muscle cramp that won’t release.

Dr. Chang spent 5 hours performing a non-invasive procedure on her to open up her veins and arteries to allow blood flow to travel through the rest of her leg. Unfortunately the blockages were so severe that Doctor Chang had to make a heartbreaking decision that amputation was the only way to save her life. Her leg amputation surgery is scheduled tomorrow, 2/10 at 1:00pm.

When someone has leukemia and also requires a leg amputation, their body faces significant challenges, both from the cancer itself and the trauma of losing a limb. These two conditions together create a complex recovery process that affects multiple systems in the body. Each one affects multiple systems, requiring extensive recovery time, immune support, pain management, and emotional healing. The combination of these two events creates a long, complex, and high-risk healing journey.

We will have to move her to a house that accommodates all her her specific and necessary needs like single-level home, wider doorways & open spaces, bathroom & shower adjustments, bed & sleeping arrangements, & flooring considerations. Her mobility, driving, daily activities and independence is going to drastically change.

This journey has taken a huge financial toll, and we could use your help to ensure our mom Jacky has a safe home, continued medical care, and the support needed for recovery. Our family understands that not everyone may be able to donate, and that is okay. We deeply appreciate your love, prayers, heartfelt messages, and sharing her story. Your support in any form means the world to us.

Through all of this, Our Mom has remained incredibly strong, resilient, and hopeful. While this journey is not easy, we believe that with the support of our community, we can make life after amputation and cancer more manageable.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Your support gives us hope during this difficult time.

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With love and gratitude,

Amber and the Hunsicker Family <3