Support Jessica's Journey to Health Recovery

Title:
Help Jessica Owens Low Get Life-Saving Surgery at Mayo Clinic

 Title:
Help Jessica Owens Low Get Life-Saving Surgery at Mayo Clinic

My name is Ramona Fitchpatrick and I want to share my great niece's story regarding her debilitating health issues. Jessica was born and raised in Sikeston, Mo. She graduated from Sikeston Senior High where she was very active in sports; especially softball. After graduating college she continued to be active in softball by teaching and coaching certain pitching techniques. Because of the severe condition of her body it has become very difficult for her to live a normal life with her husband and two beautiful daughters let alone continue with her career teaching "Tincher Pitching". She not only needs support and prayers but financial help. Please read Jessica's full story about the challenges she is presently facing and the future she is facing after her surgical procedure.

Story:

Hi, my name is Jessica, and I’m fundraising for a life-saving surgery I’ll be undergoing this July at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

In March 2024, I was hospitalized after experiencing a stroke-like event. After extensive testing, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) — a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves. It turned my life upside down. I’ve been dealing with weakness, fatigue, and other severe symptoms ever since, and healing has been slow and difficult.

What we didn’t realize at the time was that this crisis would also lead to another major discovery: I have a severe form of Pectus Excavatum, a condition I’ve had since birth. For years, I was told it was merely cosmetic — but after being evaluated at Mayo Clinic, I learned that my sternum is actually compressing both my heart and esophagus, displacing my heart and forcing it to work nearly twice as hard just to keep me functioning.

This condition has been silently exhausting my body for years — and now, following GBS, it’s become nearly impossible to recover without surgical intervention. My doctors believe the Pectus Excavatum has severely worsened the effects of GBS and is one of the biggest barriers to healing.

The surgical team at Mayo will perform a complex procedure called the Nuss procedure, where 2–3 titanium bars will be inserted to reshape and lift my sternum, relieving the pressure on my heart and lungs. These bars will remain in place for 3–4 years.

I’ve been told I am going into this surgery “with a deficit,” meaning my body is already weakened from months of illness and nerve damage. This recovery will be especially difficult — and could take years. That said, I’m staying hopeful. With your prayers and a positive mindset, I believe in the strength of the human body and spirit — and I’m determined to defy the odds and recover as fully and swiftly as possible.

How You Can Help

I’m humbly asking for support to help cover non-surgical expenses related to this major medical journey, including:

✨ Travel and lodging expenses for surgery and recovery in Phoenix, AZ
✨ Medical costs not covered by insurance (imaging, pre-op/post-op care, prescriptions)
✨ Daily living expenses (housing, food, utilities) while I recover and cannot work
✨ Ongoing follow-up appointments with a physical therapist, pulmonologist, and cardiologist throughout the year

Note: Funds raised will not go toward the surgery itself, which is being handled through Mayo. Your donations will directly support the many surrounding medical and logistical costs that are vital to making this surgery — and my recovery — possible.

Every donation — no matter the size — truly means the world to me. Your support, encouragement, and kindness have already helped carry me through this incredibly hard season. I never imagined I’d be in a position to ask for help like this, but I know I can’t do this alone.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for helping me breathe easier — quite literally.

With love and hope,
Jessica Low