Support the Mejia Family!

Hi Everyone,
My name is Shira Cherniet and I am Jessica Mejia's 3rd Grade Teacher this year.  I have had the pleasure of teaching all of the Mejia children (Melissa, 13 and Diego, 11).  Jessica's journey with Leukimia began when I was teaching Melissa.  

Jessica was diagnosed at age 4 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukimia.  She remained on chemotherapy for 2 1/2 years.  Thankfully, at age 6 (in the spring of 2013), she was declared to be in remission.

This year, Jess has begun to exhibit some very strange and worrisome symptoms.  It began with chest pain that was so bad, it was hard for her to breathe.  After multiple doctor visits, Jess was diagnosed with Pecta Excavatum, which is a condition where the chest bone sinks into the chest.  Typically, surgeries are performed when a child is 13, as that is when this condition can become most painful.  Even though Jessica has been under the care of CHLA, between doctors there and Jessica's pediatrician, Iris (Jessica's mom) has been receiving mixed messages about what to do in the mean time.

Next, Jessica began feeling like her legs were so weak that they couldn't support her body.  This pain became so severe that she has been admitted to CHLA for a total of 2 weeks over the last month.  Doctors performed a bone marrow biopsy as well as multiple blood tests to confirm that this pain is not being caused by cancer.  

However, even after being assessed by a Pain Team, they simply cannot figure out what's wrong.  The pain has now spread to her arms, head, back, etc.  She is in so much pain that she is unable to stand or walk. Needless to say, she hasn't been at school in the last week and half. 

I am hoping that our community can come together to support this family through this tough time.  We want Jessica and her family to only worry about how to get her better, rather than the financial burdens that all of this exploration and treatment is costing them.  

If you are able to help in any way, please do!  Thank you so much for your generosity.

Sincerely, 
Shira Cherniet