Help Tasha Fight Life Threatening Diagnosis

The Kennedy family has been thrust into an unexpected time of trial. Tasha, wife to Lindsay, and mother of Isa (9), Whitley (7), Collette (6) and Eilidh (1), suddenly lost her ability to swallow back in May. With her rapidly decreasing health, the Kennedys scrambled to find out what was happening as Tasha lost the ability to eat.

Two months later—full of tests, rapid weight loss, countless hospital stays, bad news, and meetings with various specialists—Tasha was finally able to hear from the top esophageal specialist in the area at Virginia Mason. She confirmed what all the other doctors had suspected which was that this is only the beginning.

Tasha has a rare connective tissue disease (which also explains past health troubles, from hip reconstructions to botched surgeries). The big question is: which disease does she have? She is now in the process of getting that diagnosed. The two that the doctor most suspects based on the amount of damage done to her GI system take a while to diagnose—but they are also aggressive, incurable, and can be fatal. This is very heavy news for the family, though they maintain hope that one she is diagnosed, treatment can begin!

Tasha has lost the ability to swallow and it will not return. This month, Tasha gets a surgical G tube put in to give her nutrition, but further action will most likely be required (like the transition to a GJ tube) as the rest of her GI system is probably in a similar state to her esophagus. For now, she is so relieved to finally get some sort of calories!

As one might expect, this has thrown the Kennedy family into a time of confusion and need. From medical bills and groceries to new expenses as the adjusts to a “new normal”—they are in a precarious place. Any help to supplement food, gas, or bills makes a big difference for them right now! Any amount is so helpful. She told me recently they’re struggling to get basic groceries and she hasn’t even transitioned to what the special nutrition will be once she’s got the G tube. Not to mention medical bills and attention is exorbitant for any family.

If you can’t give we value your prayers too! Praying for miracles upon miracles for this precious faithful family.

Bless you!

-Ari