Jaime Shields Family Support Fund
Donation protected
Thirty years ago, as a 10 year old, my cousin and best friend Jaime was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, an extremely rare form of bone cancer. Jaime was in the fifth grade, the same age as my son today. I cannot imagine any kid having to go through what she did.
Jaime underwent surgery and chemotherapy. The doctors replaced her humorous bone with a cadaver bone attached to her shoulder and elbow with metal rods and screws. After many painful weeks, we learned that the surgery was unsuccessful. Her body rejected the bone and she had to endure another surgery, this time successfully.
I have many memories from this horrible time in our family’s life, but none greater than the positive attitude and smile that Jaime had. She lost her hair, her ability to play sports, and even friends, but her smile remained. A child myself, I was completely unaware of the seriousness and long-term effects. Possible side effects included an inability to have children. Luckily, Jaime was able to have two healthy boys.
Fast forward to today. Three years after losing her mother, my godmother, to kidney cancer, and seven years after losing a brother in law to esophageal cancer, Jaime is suffering from complications. We are grateful that Jaime remains cancer free, but her prostheses has completely failed. Today, the rods in her arm have broken, the screws have fallen out, and the bone has shattered.
Jaime will undergo total humerus, shoulder, and elbow reconstruction surgery on Thursday March 21. She will be out of work for months and will have many more months of physical therapy. We feel devastated and heartbroken. Yet again, her life will never be the same. She recently started a new job where she has not met the minimum length of employment required to receive all of the benefits that she will need. Furthermore, she may have to experience a career change.
All of these changes are leaving her financially thin. I can help her, but I can only give so much. That is why I am reaching out to you, my friends. I normally ask you to purchase cookie dough or donate to a walkathon. Today I am reaching out for help for my best friend. I will accept any offer of help, whether it is a monetary donation, a gift card, a meal for the family or a prayer for healing and strength. I thank you. My family thanks you and most importantly, Jaime thanks you.
Jaime underwent surgery and chemotherapy. The doctors replaced her humorous bone with a cadaver bone attached to her shoulder and elbow with metal rods and screws. After many painful weeks, we learned that the surgery was unsuccessful. Her body rejected the bone and she had to endure another surgery, this time successfully.
I have many memories from this horrible time in our family’s life, but none greater than the positive attitude and smile that Jaime had. She lost her hair, her ability to play sports, and even friends, but her smile remained. A child myself, I was completely unaware of the seriousness and long-term effects. Possible side effects included an inability to have children. Luckily, Jaime was able to have two healthy boys.
Fast forward to today. Three years after losing her mother, my godmother, to kidney cancer, and seven years after losing a brother in law to esophageal cancer, Jaime is suffering from complications. We are grateful that Jaime remains cancer free, but her prostheses has completely failed. Today, the rods in her arm have broken, the screws have fallen out, and the bone has shattered.
Jaime will undergo total humerus, shoulder, and elbow reconstruction surgery on Thursday March 21. She will be out of work for months and will have many more months of physical therapy. We feel devastated and heartbroken. Yet again, her life will never be the same. She recently started a new job where she has not met the minimum length of employment required to receive all of the benefits that she will need. Furthermore, she may have to experience a career change.
All of these changes are leaving her financially thin. I can help her, but I can only give so much. That is why I am reaching out to you, my friends. I normally ask you to purchase cookie dough or donate to a walkathon. Today I am reaching out for help for my best friend. I will accept any offer of help, whether it is a monetary donation, a gift card, a meal for the family or a prayer for healing and strength. I thank you. My family thanks you and most importantly, Jaime thanks you.
Organizer
Lesley O'bryan
Organizer
Louisville, KY
