Help Us Heal: Emergency Medical Fund for Chronic Illness, Surgery, Recovery & Stability
Hi, I’m Jes — a wife, mom, and classroom assistant that works with special needs students trying to stay afloat through a long season of medical crisis. After years of being dismissed, I finally got close to answers… only to wake up from surgery and be told they couldn’t proceed. The endometriosis was too severe — and now, I’m facing a second, much more invasive surgery with higher risks, no stable income, and mounting debt from months of chronic illness and missed work.
We’re asking for help getting through the next few months of survival and recovery, so our family doesn’t completely fall apart in the process.
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The Short Version
We’re facing an overwhelming onslaught of medical challenges, missed income, and rising debt. After a failed surgery revealed severe endometriosis and possible organ complications, I now have to undergo a second, more intensive surgery involving multiple organs. We’ve already fallen behind from months of lost pay due to chronic illness, and now we’re at a breaking point. Any support helps us stay afloat during recovery.
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Timeline of Medical & Financial Strain
Jan–May 2025: Missed 1–3 days nearly every week due to chronic illness flare-ups, testing, specialist appointments — plus a full 2-week medical leave during a major flare
May 21, 2025: Attempted surgery ended early due to severity — surgeon had to close me up after discovering widespread endometriosis, cysts, and many adhesions
May 24–June 4: ER visit with colitis symptoms from inflammation; continuing pain & worsening health
June 11: Pre-admission appointment (1 hr away)
June 19: Consult with new specialist surgeon
June 20: GI specialist appointment
June 24, 2025: Major surgery — total hysterectomy, 3 bladder procedures, possible appendectomy, possible bowel surgery depending on how tissue removal goes, and risk of colostomy
Post-surgery: Unpaid time off for recovery, hospital stay, and ongoing follow-ups. Husband also nearing unpaid leave from work due to caregiving
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Why We’re Asking for Help
This isn’t just about one surgery. Chronic illness has been draining our time, health, and finances for years — but 2025 hit especially hard:
I’ve had to take time off nearly every week since January for flare-ups, testing, and medical prep
I used up all my sick leave and had many days of unpaid FMLA before the first surgery
Despite now being on summer stretch pay, we’re still behind — and if I have to resign due to my health, my pay will likely end in July
If I manage to stay hired without working, pay will likely end in August due to lack of remaining leave
We were already falling behind before surgery, and now we’re facing a possible hospital stay and a long recovery — with even more expenses for:
Specialist copays
Travel (2 hrs roundtrip for most appointments)
Medical supplies & OTC treatments
Imaging, labs, pre-op & post-op care
Recovery accommodations (gas, groceries, pet/kid care)
My husband Tyler, our main source of income, will be taking unpaid leave the day of surgery and after to care for me and the kids — losing his pay during this critical time will be devastating
All these factors combined have created a financial gap we cannot bridge alone
We’re trying to survive while I heal, pay down growing medical bills, and stabilize our home. We’re worn out — emotionally, physically, and financially.
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We know $7,800 is a big number — but it reflects the reality of trying to stabilize a household of five after months of chronic illness, medical leave, and emergency surgery prep. This isn’t just about the surgery itself — it’s about surviving the gap and rebuilding our footing while we recover.
Fundraising Goal
Fundraising Goal: $7,800
Expense Area Estimated Cost
Past-due bills (rent, utilities, etc.) $1,500
Gas + travel for appointments $300
Surgery-related medical costs $1,500
Groceries + recovery supplies $800
Lost income (pay missed over months due to chronic illness, medical appointments, and recovery—this gap between earnings and expenses has contributed significantly to our current financial hardship) $1,300
Husband’s unpaid leave (caregiving day of and after surgery, main source of income) + possible extended time off $1,500
Emergency cushion (extra time off, unexpected expenses, etc.) $900
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Every Little Bit Helps
Whether it’s $5, a share, or just a kind message — it all means the world to us. This year has been full of grief, physical pain, and hard decisions — but your support could give us one less thing to worry about.
Thank you for reading, supporting, or sharing. Truly.
Jessica and the Cooper Family
