Hello To All,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
First, let me say special thanks to Pastor Long and the members of Union Church. I was able to attend Palm Sunday services for the first time, as Jessica was receiving her booster with Dr. Cantu to help with her pain. I must say that it was one of the most wonderful and spiritual services I have been to. From the Pastors sermon to the choir's presentation of "My Father's House" , to a beautiful solo of "La Via Dolorosa" sung in both english and spanish; to the waving of the palm fronds and a birthday celebration afterwards for Virginia - a founding member who turned 100 - complete with mariachi singers and their birthday hymn of "Las Mananitas" - it truly was a service I will never forget! Thank you Barbara and Sylvia for the lifts to and from the hospital to the church and for being my special "Monterrey" friends!
It is a very busy time here at the Hospital San Jose Tec for Dr. Cantu. He currently has three patients from the USA - Jessica, Kerri, and John.
I had the pleasure of meeting John and his wife Rosemary last night. They have been following Jessica's journey here, as John Roach is coma patient #19. Rosemary gave me a beautiful gift bag for Jessica that had all types of chocolate goodies! It was so very nice of them to bring a little bit of "home" with them for her! John is here for boosters and he is also accompanied by his family members Diane & Jennifer. They are a very special family, the Roach family, as well as the Jarvis family, Cathy and Mark, who are here with Kerri, coma patient #30. Mark went out last night and brought back food from Applebee's --- baby back ribs! - it was great to have something different than "pollo a la plancha con arroz" ( grilled chicken breast with rice) Also, two former coma patients are coming back for boosters as well - Fern Kwantes and Elana Hellring. We have met so many wonderful families, all united under difficult circumstances, and all fighting against one terrible illness - RSD. Please pray for these amazing and loving people! Also, please pray for our beloved Dr. Cantu, who is tireless in his efforts in trying to get all of his patients "better" again! He is an amazing doctor, man and friend!
Special thanks and prayers go out to ALL of you as well - our amazing family, friends, and even strangers who have become friends! We could not have come this far without all of your love and support as well!
In God's love, always,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
I John 4:7-8
"Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love".
Hebrews 13:2
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it".
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Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
DOMINGO DE RAMOS (PALM SUNDAY)
Blessings to All,It should come as no surprise that in Mexico, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Easter is the most widely celebrated and important religious holiday of the year. Semana Santa (Holy Week) begins today with Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and it ends next Sunday with Domingo de Gloria (Easter).
Here in Mexico the faithful join in a special mass which includes the blessings of the palm fronds or crosses. A large procession commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem often precedes the mass. Some of the blessed palms are later burned and the ashes are reserved by the church for Ash Wednesday services the following year.
For all Christians, Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate the glorious entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. Palm Sunday, or "Passion Sunday" marks the beginning of Holy Week. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him with waving palm branches , and by covering his path with them. Immediately following this celebration in the ministry of Jesus - he began his journey to the Cross.
May you all have a blessed Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) today!
Thank you all for your continued prayers for Jessica and our family!
In God's love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
John 12:12:
"On the next day much people came to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem - They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried: HOSANNA: Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord!"
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Special Thanks for Fundraiser!!!
Hi to Family & Friends,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Update on Jessica:
Jessica received her booster to help her with her pain. She continues to try to push herself each day to accomplish more "small steps". Yesterday she was able to lay on the couch for a few hours. She also tried kiwi and loved it. We borrowed a DVD of the Gilmore girls from a fellow coma patient, Kerri, who is here from Pennsylvania with her parents. Please pray for these two young ladies - Jessica and Kerri - as they try to take those "small steps" each day!
SPECIAL THANKS!!!
Special Thanks to Pastor Kevin and the Marco Lutheran Church for such a successful fundraiser luncheon for Jessica that was held yesterday!
Huge thanks go out to Dodie Meister, the Outreach Director at the church, as this fundraiser was her brainchild! I heard a delicious buffet was served with all the food donated by the church!
Also, special thanks to Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane for bringing her wonderful "fashion jewelry" to the event! All proceeds from the sale of the jewelry will be donated directly to Jessica's Journey savings club! Thanks to the wonderful models: Joanne, Marjorie, Patty, Gail,Joan, Cea, Judy, Joyce and Donna. A fun time was had by all!
Over 70 ladies from the shores of Marco Island and Naples attended the fundraiser! Jessica's grandmother - Nanny Josie - brought 34 of her lady friends from the Marco Villas! WoW! Nanny also made a tray of her wonderful cookies for all the ladies to share. I understand another tray of delectables was made by Myrna and her husband Rinaldo! Thanks to all who brought goodies for everyone to enjoy!
Special thanks also to the leader of Team Jessica - Nancy - who is tireless in her efforts for fundraising events for Jessica. Nancy you are amazing! Also, thanks go out to my sister Carol and her friend Sue for all their help in setting up and for manning the entrance table!
Special thanks also to Bob Olson from the Marco Eagle for taking pictures for the local paper and to Elayna Fernandez for taking video flip pictures as well!
There are not enough words of thanks to adequately convey the way Jessica and our family feel for such an outpouring of love and support! May God bless each and every one of you for what you have done and continue to do for our sweet Jessica. Ultimately, God has a plan for her, and for all of us as well. We just have to be patient and wait for his timing and praise him for his grace each and every day!
All our love from Mexico,
Sarah Gina & Jessica* xoxoxo
"May the Lord reward you for your kindness". (Ruth 1:8)
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus". (Colossians 3:17)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Update on Jessica:
Jessica received her booster to help her with her pain. She continues to try to push herself each day to accomplish more "small steps". Yesterday she was able to lay on the couch for a few hours. She also tried kiwi and loved it. We borrowed a DVD of the Gilmore girls from a fellow coma patient, Kerri, who is here from Pennsylvania with her parents. Please pray for these two young ladies - Jessica and Kerri - as they try to take those "small steps" each day!
SPECIAL THANKS!!!
Special Thanks to Pastor Kevin and the Marco Lutheran Church for such a successful fundraiser luncheon for Jessica that was held yesterday!
Huge thanks go out to Dodie Meister, the Outreach Director at the church, as this fundraiser was her brainchild! I heard a delicious buffet was served with all the food donated by the church!
Also, special thanks to Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane for bringing her wonderful "fashion jewelry" to the event! All proceeds from the sale of the jewelry will be donated directly to Jessica's Journey savings club! Thanks to the wonderful models: Joanne, Marjorie, Patty, Gail,Joan, Cea, Judy, Joyce and Donna. A fun time was had by all!
Over 70 ladies from the shores of Marco Island and Naples attended the fundraiser! Jessica's grandmother - Nanny Josie - brought 34 of her lady friends from the Marco Villas! WoW! Nanny also made a tray of her wonderful cookies for all the ladies to share. I understand another tray of delectables was made by Myrna and her husband Rinaldo! Thanks to all who brought goodies for everyone to enjoy!
Special thanks also to the leader of Team Jessica - Nancy - who is tireless in her efforts for fundraising events for Jessica. Nancy you are amazing! Also, thanks go out to my sister Carol and her friend Sue for all their help in setting up and for manning the entrance table!
Special thanks also to Bob Olson from the Marco Eagle for taking pictures for the local paper and to Elayna Fernandez for taking video flip pictures as well!
There are not enough words of thanks to adequately convey the way Jessica and our family feel for such an outpouring of love and support! May God bless each and every one of you for what you have done and continue to do for our sweet Jessica. Ultimately, God has a plan for her, and for all of us as well. We just have to be patient and wait for his timing and praise him for his grace each and every day!
All our love from Mexico,
Sarah Gina & Jessica* xoxoxo
"May the Lord reward you for your kindness". (Ruth 1:8)
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus". (Colossians 3:17)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
45,000 Views Of Blog!!!
Hola From Monterrey,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
FUNDRAISER TOMORROW!!!
JESSICA'S JOURNEY FUNDRAISER:
Spring Fling Fashion Show Luncheon
Tomorrow - Thursday March 25th - 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Marco Island Lutheran Church
525 North Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
$5.00 Donation for luncheon
All Proceeds will benefit Jessica's Journey Savings Club!
For Additional Info:
Please contact Nancy Sustersic @(239)394-5051
Everyone is invited to attend!
Special thanks to Dodie Meister from the Marco Lutheran Church and Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane www.myparklane.com/vmorris
for making this possible! Special thanks to TEAM JESSICA!
UPDATE ON JESSICA:
It was discovered yesterday that Jessica has a candida infection once again and so she was put on an IV medication called caspofungin for 10 days. Her neurodermatitis on her upper body seems better, but the face is still not there yet, so she continues on oral antibiotics and antibiotic cream for that.
Today she will receive a big booster to help with some increasing pain.
Special thanks once again to Barbara for the homemade spaghetti she brought to the hospital for us. Jessica was able to eat cut-up spaghetti for the first time in years - another "small step" - but a huge one!
Robert Collier once wrote: " Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!"
May God continue to bless Jessica and may He be with her always. May God be beside her, in front of her, behind her, and at times carrying her as well!!!
"The Lord is with me. He is my Helper". (Psalm 118:7)
"Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence:"The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:5)
May God be with you all today as well,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
FUNDRAISER TOMORROW!!!
JESSICA'S JOURNEY FUNDRAISER:
Spring Fling Fashion Show Luncheon
Tomorrow - Thursday March 25th - 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Marco Island Lutheran Church
525 North Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
$5.00 Donation for luncheon
All Proceeds will benefit Jessica's Journey Savings Club!
For Additional Info:
Please contact Nancy Sustersic @(239)394-5051
Everyone is invited to attend!
Special thanks to Dodie Meister from the Marco Lutheran Church and Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane www.myparklane.com/vmorris
for making this possible! Special thanks to TEAM JESSICA!
UPDATE ON JESSICA:
It was discovered yesterday that Jessica has a candida infection once again and so she was put on an IV medication called caspofungin for 10 days. Her neurodermatitis on her upper body seems better, but the face is still not there yet, so she continues on oral antibiotics and antibiotic cream for that.
Today she will receive a big booster to help with some increasing pain.
Special thanks once again to Barbara for the homemade spaghetti she brought to the hospital for us. Jessica was able to eat cut-up spaghetti for the first time in years - another "small step" - but a huge one!
Robert Collier once wrote: " Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!"
May God continue to bless Jessica and may He be with her always. May God be beside her, in front of her, behind her, and at times carrying her as well!!!
"The Lord is with me. He is my Helper". (Psalm 118:7)
"Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence:"The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:5)
May God be with you all today as well,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Sunny Monday in Monterrey........
Hi everyone,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
UPCOMING FUNDRAISER!!!:
JESSICA'S JOURNEY FUNDRAISER:
Spring Fling Fashion Show Luncheon
March 25th - 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Marco Island Lutheran Church
525 North Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
$5.00 Donation for luncheon
All Proceeds will benefit Jessica's Journey Savings Club!
For Additional Info:
Please contact Nancy Sustersic @(239)394-5051
Special thanks to Dodie Meister from the Marco Lutheran Church and Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane www.myparklane.com/vmorris
for making this possible! Special thanks to TEAM JESSICA!
Special thanks to everyone from Dr. Cantu.
He was very touched when he read all the birthday comments to the blog. From former coma patients to fellow RSD sufferers to just well wishers, it was very touching to see him read each and every one with smiles and laughs as well! So thank you to all that left comments for Dr. Cantu for another healthy year ahead as he continues to do what he knows best - taking care of RSD patients and their families. It also was an honor for him to read Jessica's first post on the blog dedicated to his special day. He also enjoyed the cake we got him from Lety's, a delicious local bakery here in Monterrey. His favorite cake is German chocolate cake and I decorated it with Hershey kisses on top - his favorite candy as well! Healthy year ahead to Dr. Cantu and May God bless him always!
By the way --- I have a message board in Jessica's room and I post different bible verses or inspirational quotes on it everyday. Yesterday's quote was especially for Dr. Cantu - it read as follows:
"You are not 46 years old today --- you are 18, with 28 years of experience!!!
I will be posting pictures to the blog from tomorrow as soon as I find the cable!
Special thanks to my dear friend Barbara from Monterrey who helped me in getting the cake and other items for Dr. Cantu's birthday. She has become very special to me! Also, My friend Blanca came to the rescue again and was able to bring back Nabisco graham crackers from her travels to Texas for Jessica. (They dont have these cookies here in Mexico) Thanks again to a very special lady and to her husband Victor Canavati as well!!!
Special Shout Out to Dave Smith - who became a grandfather today to twin boys - Robert & Wyatt - proud parents are his son Dan & Diane! Congratulations!!!
Update on Jessica:
Jessica continues with her improvements - her "small steps". Just a few days ago she was able to talk to her Dad and sisters via Skype and also see her beloved dog Molly - "break-dancing" for her! She was smiling and laughing...........I was crying!!!
Small steps.....huge advances!!!
May God continue his work in her and may he also continue to guide Dr. Cantu.
"God is with you in ALL that you do". (Genesis 21:22)
"May the Lord continually bless you with heaven's blessings as well as with human joys!" (Psalm 128:5)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
UPCOMING FUNDRAISER!!!:
JESSICA'S JOURNEY FUNDRAISER:
Spring Fling Fashion Show Luncheon
March 25th - 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Marco Island Lutheran Church
525 North Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
$5.00 Donation for luncheon
All Proceeds will benefit Jessica's Journey Savings Club!
For Additional Info:
Please contact Nancy Sustersic @(239)394-5051
Special thanks to Dodie Meister from the Marco Lutheran Church and Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane www.myparklane.com/vmorris
for making this possible! Special thanks to TEAM JESSICA!
Special thanks to everyone from Dr. Cantu.
He was very touched when he read all the birthday comments to the blog. From former coma patients to fellow RSD sufferers to just well wishers, it was very touching to see him read each and every one with smiles and laughs as well! So thank you to all that left comments for Dr. Cantu for another healthy year ahead as he continues to do what he knows best - taking care of RSD patients and their families. It also was an honor for him to read Jessica's first post on the blog dedicated to his special day. He also enjoyed the cake we got him from Lety's, a delicious local bakery here in Monterrey. His favorite cake is German chocolate cake and I decorated it with Hershey kisses on top - his favorite candy as well! Healthy year ahead to Dr. Cantu and May God bless him always!
By the way --- I have a message board in Jessica's room and I post different bible verses or inspirational quotes on it everyday. Yesterday's quote was especially for Dr. Cantu - it read as follows:
"You are not 46 years old today --- you are 18, with 28 years of experience!!!
I will be posting pictures to the blog from tomorrow as soon as I find the cable!
Special thanks to my dear friend Barbara from Monterrey who helped me in getting the cake and other items for Dr. Cantu's birthday. She has become very special to me! Also, My friend Blanca came to the rescue again and was able to bring back Nabisco graham crackers from her travels to Texas for Jessica. (They dont have these cookies here in Mexico) Thanks again to a very special lady and to her husband Victor Canavati as well!!!
Special Shout Out to Dave Smith - who became a grandfather today to twin boys - Robert & Wyatt - proud parents are his son Dan & Diane! Congratulations!!!
Update on Jessica:
Jessica continues with her improvements - her "small steps". Just a few days ago she was able to talk to her Dad and sisters via Skype and also see her beloved dog Molly - "break-dancing" for her! She was smiling and laughing...........I was crying!!!
Small steps.....huge advances!!!
May God continue his work in her and may he also continue to guide Dr. Cantu.
"God is with you in ALL that you do". (Genesis 21:22)
"May the Lord continually bless you with heaven's blessings as well as with human joys!" (Psalm 128:5)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Sunday, March 21, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. CANTU!
Happy Birthday Dr. Cantu!
Dear Dr. Green Shirt,
Happy 46th Birthday!
Where do I even begin to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me?! Looking back to just a few months ago, who would have ever thought I would be sitting here typing this for you?! "Small steps, HUGE advances" right? It is because of your never-ending hard work, dedication, love and patience, that I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am to you!
I don't think that you fully comprehend just how special you are, how much you have come to mean to me or how much HOPE you have given to me and other RSD patients. God is working miracles through you! I know that. I trust that. And I have no doubt, yesterday, today and tomorrow are all serving some great eternal purpose- on a far larger scale than we can even imagine.
Thank you for caring, understanding and for always listening. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I had given up on myself. Thank you for being willing to "step out of the box" and try whatever it takes to help your patients. Thank you for taking such great care of me (and my mom!) and for offering your pure love to help me get well again. I am forever grateful.
¡Feliz cumpleaños al mejor doctor en todo el mundo! Te amo!
Love always,
Your favorite patient - aka the "Queen of Ketamine"
Jessica (aka "Ya-Ya")
PS- Quiero un grande booster de Ketamina, por favor??? :)
***TO POST A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY COMMENT, CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW***
Saturday, March 20, 2010
SPECIAL REMINDER!!!
Dr. Cantu in action
Hi To All,
Special Reminder:
Tomorrow will be Jessica's First Blog in honor of Dr. Cantu's Birthday!!!
We are trying to get well wishes for Dr. Cantu from ALL for his special day.
If you are a former coma patient, a fellow RSD sufferer, or wish to send your thanks to him for ALL he has done for Jessica and others, please feel free to post a comment to this blog!!! When he arrives tomorrow to see Jessica, we will have him read all of his birthday blessings on the computer!!!
Please join us to help celebrate Dr. Cantu's special day tomorrow and Jessica's first blog posting in his honor!!!
Here is something I wrote for him:
Dear Dr. Cantu,
God gave a gift to the world when you were born. You are a special doctor who loves and cares, who sees a patient's needs and fills it, who encourages and lifts people up, who spends energy on others rather than himself, who touches each life he enters and makes a real difference in their world. May the love you have shown to us and to others return to you in abundance today and everyday!
Dr. Cantu, one of the most important gifts that a doctor can give his patients is HOPE. By so doing you thereby inspire in that patient a deep conviction that their inner strength can make a difference in their struggle against pain and suffering. This is what you have done for Jessica and ALL of your coma patients here at the Hospital San Jose Tec! There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how thankful we are and how special you have become to us!
It is clear that God created you for a great purpose! May you know how very much you are loved! From one "grateful" Mom, I hope you have a birthday today that is as wonderful and special as you are!!!
Con mucho amor, with much love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom) xoxoxo
Feliz Cumpleanos Dr. Fernando Cantu Flores!!!
***TO POST A SPECIAL COMMENT, CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW***
Friday, March 19, 2010
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Hi To All,
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
This Sunday - March 21st - is Dr. Cantu's (aka Dr. "Green Shirt") Birthday!!! He will be 46 years young!!!
Tomorrow, I will be posting a special message to him and then on Sunday - his actual birthday - Jessica will be posting her first blog since the coma in honor of his special day!!!
If anyone would like to send him a special message via this blog for his birthday, you can either leave a comment tomorrow - (Saturday), or on Sunday, his actual birthday.
I will then have him read all of his well wishes from the blog when he comes to the hospital to see Jessica.
So, if you are a former coma patient, a fellow RSD sufferer, or someone who wishes to thank him for ALL he has done for Jessica, please feel free to leave him a comment on the blog.
Dr. Cantu is an amazing doctor who treats each and every one of his patients with such warmth, compassion and care!!!
Jessica's Journey would not have been possible without him!!!
Please help us wish this very special man - our dear Dr. Cantu - a very special birthday!!!
I'm Hoping to get a lot of birthday messages on the blog for him!!!
Thank you all,
In God's love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Upcoming Fundraiser!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to All,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
UPCOMING FUNDRAISER!!!:
JESSICA'S JOURNEY FUNDRAISER:
Spring Fling Fashion Show Luncheon
March 25th - 11:00 - 2:00 PM
Marco Island Lutheran Church
525 North Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
$5.00 Donation for luncheon
All Proceeds will benefit Jessica's Journey Savings Club!
For Additional Info:
Please contact Nancy Sustersic @(239)394-5051
Special thanks to Dodie Meister from the Marco Lutheran Church and Valorie Morris of Jewels of Park Lane www.myparklane.com/vmorris
for making this possible! Special thanks to TEAM JESSICA!
Update on Jessica:
The sun is rising here in Monterrey and with it, the dawn of a new day. We thank God for the blessing of another day and with it the hope of another chance at making those "small steps".
J. Wolfgang von Goethe once said:"It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal!"
Jessica was able to leave the bed yesterday and lay on the couch that is in our room! With the help of the nurses we moved her on her sheepskin off of the bed and onto the couch. This is something she has been wanting to accomplish for sometime now. The recent big ketamine boosters coupled with Jessica's sheer will and determination and Dr. Cantu's words of encouragement made it all possible. Praise God for another day!
"All things work together for good to them that love God".
Romans 8:28
In life things will happen - some of them good, some of them bad, and many of them beyond our control. In ALL of these things, the one reliable constant is God's willingness to work with us and through us - to produce some good!
In God's Love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***I would like to express my condolences to Kathy Shohfi, her son Thomas and the entire family on the passing of her husband Don. Kathy Shohfi was one of the first people I met at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City, N.Y. She has been and continues to be such a tremendous help and support to my family and Don was truly a special man of God. May you find comfort in your special memories of him.***
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Monday, March 15, 2010
Phillipians 4: 4-7
Hello to All,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Yesterday Jessica was brought down to surgery to have a new central catheter put in due to the other catheter not functioning correctly and to also avoid any infections. She continues with her "small steps" towards recovery. The neurodermatitis on her face and upper body seems less red and angry and she continues on antibiotics and a special antibiotic lotion for that. She also was able to eat 2 french fries and also crumble up graham crackers into her "atole de maicena". This is a warm puddling-like mixture that she has been having for the past few months that she says is really good. We have been recommending this to all the new patients that come- as it is easy to digest and very comforting as well. Translated from spanish it means:"cornflower drink", but it doesn't taste like corn at all!
Also, yesterday, Pastor Long from the Union Church of Monterrey came to visit. He has become very special to us. He brought communion for Jessica and I and he also read a special message to Jessica that he said came to him from the Lord for her. It is from Phillipians 4: 4-7:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for Jessica. Please pray for relief from the pain, especially in the right leg and also the headaches. Keep sending us your comments, stories, etc. as I read them to her faithfully each day and they really mean alot to us!
Special shout out to Michelle - my 13 year old daughter back home in N.Y. She is getting her braces off today - after having them on for 2 1/2 years!!! This is a big day for her and I told her I will be with her in spirit today. Her big sister Katherine and her Dad will be going with her to the orthodontist to get them off. Congratulations Michelle --- you did it --- and you will look even more beautiful now!!!(If that's even possible - since you are already so beautiful mooshie!!!)
In God's Love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Yesterday Jessica was brought down to surgery to have a new central catheter put in due to the other catheter not functioning correctly and to also avoid any infections. She continues with her "small steps" towards recovery. The neurodermatitis on her face and upper body seems less red and angry and she continues on antibiotics and a special antibiotic lotion for that. She also was able to eat 2 french fries and also crumble up graham crackers into her "atole de maicena". This is a warm puddling-like mixture that she has been having for the past few months that she says is really good. We have been recommending this to all the new patients that come- as it is easy to digest and very comforting as well. Translated from spanish it means:"cornflower drink", but it doesn't taste like corn at all!
Also, yesterday, Pastor Long from the Union Church of Monterrey came to visit. He has become very special to us. He brought communion for Jessica and I and he also read a special message to Jessica that he said came to him from the Lord for her. It is from Phillipians 4: 4-7:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for Jessica. Please pray for relief from the pain, especially in the right leg and also the headaches. Keep sending us your comments, stories, etc. as I read them to her faithfully each day and they really mean alot to us!
Special shout out to Michelle - my 13 year old daughter back home in N.Y. She is getting her braces off today - after having them on for 2 1/2 years!!! This is a big day for her and I told her I will be with her in spirit today. Her big sister Katherine and her Dad will be going with her to the orthodontist to get them off. Congratulations Michelle --- you did it --- and you will look even more beautiful now!!!(If that's even possible - since you are already so beautiful mooshie!!!)
In God's Love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Friday, March 12, 2010
In God We Trust
Blessings To All,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Yesterday we said goodbye once again to our dear friends Fern & Kathy as they head back home to Canada after Ferns boosters. I also met Mark & Kathy who are here with their daughter Kerri who is coming out of the coma tomorrow. You become one big "family" here especially when we are all fighting the same battle, only in different ways. The one thing that is always the same, for all of us here, patients and caregivers, is our beloved Dr. Cantu - an amazing doctor, but also a truly amazing man - he is guided by God's wisdom every day and treats his patients with such warmth and care!
Yesterday, I also received another present from my new friends from Monterrey that have their family member in room 843. The people here in Mexico are simply amazing and so very helpful! They brought me a book called:"Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul". It is filled with inspirational stories. How did they know that I read uplifting stories to Jessica every day? It is no doubt God manifesting himself through these special people!
Also, we had a visit from my dear friend Sylvia. She brought us a big basket of fruit, all different kinds, and I was able to cut-up an orange for Jessica, taking out the seeds and skin. She really enjoyed it. It was her first taste of real fruit -not baby jar fruit - she said it really tasted good! Also, she received big ketamine boosters this past week as well and the lesions that have been re-appearing on her right arm have faded from the surface - you can only see their scars below the skin - and she can touch the arm and not feel terrible pain! Please pray for the effects of the ketamine to be long-lasting in her body and for continued relief for Jessica from the pain.
God is so good, isn't He?
I believe that when you go through trials in life you come to realize that we all belong to God. Wherever we go (i.e. Mexico), and whatever happens to us,(i.e. sickness) we all belong to God! He will prepare our way when we are old, just as he did when we were young. He will guide us in His glory! We need to trust and be content in that knowledge and to live only a day at a time!
I found this poem on a Christian website:
"So for tomorrow and its need --- I do not pray.
But keep me, guide me, hold me, LORD, just for Today!"
In God We Trust,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Yesterday we said goodbye once again to our dear friends Fern & Kathy as they head back home to Canada after Ferns boosters. I also met Mark & Kathy who are here with their daughter Kerri who is coming out of the coma tomorrow. You become one big "family" here especially when we are all fighting the same battle, only in different ways. The one thing that is always the same, for all of us here, patients and caregivers, is our beloved Dr. Cantu - an amazing doctor, but also a truly amazing man - he is guided by God's wisdom every day and treats his patients with such warmth and care!
Yesterday, I also received another present from my new friends from Monterrey that have their family member in room 843. The people here in Mexico are simply amazing and so very helpful! They brought me a book called:"Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul". It is filled with inspirational stories. How did they know that I read uplifting stories to Jessica every day? It is no doubt God manifesting himself through these special people!
Also, we had a visit from my dear friend Sylvia. She brought us a big basket of fruit, all different kinds, and I was able to cut-up an orange for Jessica, taking out the seeds and skin. She really enjoyed it. It was her first taste of real fruit -not baby jar fruit - she said it really tasted good! Also, she received big ketamine boosters this past week as well and the lesions that have been re-appearing on her right arm have faded from the surface - you can only see their scars below the skin - and she can touch the arm and not feel terrible pain! Please pray for the effects of the ketamine to be long-lasting in her body and for continued relief for Jessica from the pain.
God is so good, isn't He?
I believe that when you go through trials in life you come to realize that we all belong to God. Wherever we go (i.e. Mexico), and whatever happens to us,(i.e. sickness) we all belong to God! He will prepare our way when we are old, just as he did when we were young. He will guide us in His glory! We need to trust and be content in that knowledge and to live only a day at a time!
I found this poem on a Christian website:
"So for tomorrow and its need --- I do not pray.
But keep me, guide me, hold me, LORD, just for Today!"
In God We Trust,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Grace of God
Hi to our family and friends,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Please pray for Jessica today. She has been receiving her boosters and they have certainly helped her by alleviating some of her pain, so that she can continue to take the necessary forward steps. At the same time, there are those days when it can be difficult because you want to be able to have all the answers. You want to see what lies ahead. You feel that maybe if you could somehow just "know"........... then "today" could be that much more bearable.
Pray for her to feel God's grace in her life today.
The grace of God is a promise that, when you can barely cope with today, you can live with the power to believe that things can be better tomorrow. God's grace promises us that you can trust in Him to have a better tomorrow for you than the day you have made for yourself! There is a power in grace that says to us that it is OK to admit that it is sometimes "all wrong", but that somehow it can one day, hopefully, be "all right". This is one reason why we call it "amazing grace" - because grace works against the grain of common sense - out of the earthly realm and into His divine providence!!!
Thank you all for continuing your prayers for Jessica.
We pray that God's grace will also abound for all of you today!
Pray also for Fern - our dear friend - who is getting her boosters and also for a new patient - Kerri - that is in the coma right now.
With God's grace,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
Great Links to 2 songs about "Amazing Grace"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyFxArMeRDI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGuOr09-mE
Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God".
(This was Jessica's confirmation verse!)
IPeter 5:10
"And the God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you & make you strong, firm & steadfast".
(This verse is on Jessica's wall at home!)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Please pray for Jessica today. She has been receiving her boosters and they have certainly helped her by alleviating some of her pain, so that she can continue to take the necessary forward steps. At the same time, there are those days when it can be difficult because you want to be able to have all the answers. You want to see what lies ahead. You feel that maybe if you could somehow just "know"........... then "today" could be that much more bearable.
Pray for her to feel God's grace in her life today.
The grace of God is a promise that, when you can barely cope with today, you can live with the power to believe that things can be better tomorrow. God's grace promises us that you can trust in Him to have a better tomorrow for you than the day you have made for yourself! There is a power in grace that says to us that it is OK to admit that it is sometimes "all wrong", but that somehow it can one day, hopefully, be "all right". This is one reason why we call it "amazing grace" - because grace works against the grain of common sense - out of the earthly realm and into His divine providence!!!
Thank you all for continuing your prayers for Jessica.
We pray that God's grace will also abound for all of you today!
Pray also for Fern - our dear friend - who is getting her boosters and also for a new patient - Kerri - that is in the coma right now.
With God's grace,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
Great Links to 2 songs about "Amazing Grace"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyFxArMeRDI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGuOr09-mE
Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God".
(This was Jessica's confirmation verse!)
IPeter 5:10
"And the God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you & make you strong, firm & steadfast".
(This verse is on Jessica's wall at home!)
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Monday, March 8, 2010
Question Of The Day
Hi everyone,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
This is a riddle. Only 17% of Stanford University seniors got it correct, when asked.
What is greater than God,
More evil than the Devil,
The poor have it,
The rich need it,
And if you eat it, you will die?
By the way, all 3 of my daughters got it right (no pressure though!) Also - Dr. Cantu got it right as well!
Think about it, and then scroll down for the answer.
Hope everyone is well today!
In God's love, always
Sarah Gina (Mom to 3)*
The answer is:Nothing.
***To post a Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
This is a riddle. Only 17% of Stanford University seniors got it correct, when asked.
What is greater than God,
More evil than the Devil,
The poor have it,
The rich need it,
And if you eat it, you will die?
By the way, all 3 of my daughters got it right (no pressure though!) Also - Dr. Cantu got it right as well!
Think about it, and then scroll down for the answer.
Hope everyone is well today!
In God's love, always
Sarah Gina (Mom to 3)*
The answer is:Nothing.
***To post a Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
Friday, March 5, 2010
Update & Thanks to New Friends...
Hi To All,
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Update on Jessica:
Jessica is continuing to achieve her "small steps" towards recovery. Today she will receive a big booster to help alleviate some of her pain and we will move her once again to the reclining chair to try to get her body and brain used to sitting up more and more. She is off of TPN and is trying to eat more types of soft foods - such as mashed potatoes, noodles cut-up, broths with tiny cut-up carrots, and Stage 3 baby foods. She eats small amounts of these foods as tolerated. Small foods = Small steps. She is still experiencing headaches along with the burning pain. One day I will try to blog the complexities of Jessica's illness, as some things are hard to explain, complex to understand and even harder to actually live through.
Also, Dr. Dillman, the ID doctor has finally stopped all IV antibiotics and all cultures are currently negative for infections. As you know, she has been on antibiotics for the past 10 weeks due to infections. The thought is to take her off of them and see if anything develops. Due to an ongoing rash on her face, shoulders and back he has put her on an antibiotic lotion and oral antibiotics. We believe it to be a neuro-dermatitis from the RSD. Her face looks red - as if she has been sitting out in the sun ----- IF ONLY that was true!?! I will keep you posted.
Also, today we welcome back Fern and her friend Kathy from Canada. She is back again for boosters that she can't get in Canada. These boosters for Jessica and for Fern are essential in trying to alleviate the pain from RSD and to allow these patients a chance at moving forward towards a better functioning life. I have also heard from Devon, Justin, Elana, Rachel, Lindsay, Emily - please pray for these fellow RSD coma patients and their recoveries as well.
Special thanks go out once again to my new friend Blanca and her family that are taking care of their family member Olga here on the 8th floor of Hospital San Jose. Blanca, along with Lupita, Raynoldo, Tessi, and others have been so kind to me - they are true angels of God! Two days ago, Raynoldo asked me if I needed anything from the "outside". I asked him to pick me up a bag of coffee for my small coffee machine (Yes - I have a small coffee machine in the hospital room --- I can't live without it!) Well, Raynoldo comes back that same day with not just one bag of coffee - but three bags of coffee - from Starbucks! I thanked him so much by giving him a kiss, as he would not take any money from me! With that, I did what my Italian mother would have done --- I made a few pots of coffee and shared them with my new friends from Mexico! When I got back in the room Jessica asked me what I was doing, so I told her. All she said was:"Mom, even here in Mexico you have a way of making friends!!!"
Also, special thanks go out to Blanca once again. She brought 3 American magazines (People, OK, & Allure) for Jessica to look at and she gave me a present as well. It's a beautiful black caftan with flowers and birds on it. She said she always sees me in my pajamas in the hallway - and so she wanted me to look glamorous for when I walk the halls of the 8th floor of Hospital San Jose! Barbara - my friend from the Union Church had also stopped by with doughnuts and she got to meet my new friends as well. God does work through his people - even here in Monterrey Mexico!
Well, enough blogging for today. Dr. Cantu is due to arrive to give Jessica her booster at 3:00 PM. (That is American time --- in Mexico time it could be more like 5:00 PM!)
Stay well everyone.
To quote two of Jessica's favorite doctors:
Dr. Cantu - Mexico - "Small steps --- huge advances!"
Dr. Liegner - N.Y. - "Where there is life --- there is Hope!"
In God's love, always,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To post a comment, CLICK on Comments below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Update on Jessica:
Jessica is continuing to achieve her "small steps" towards recovery. Today she will receive a big booster to help alleviate some of her pain and we will move her once again to the reclining chair to try to get her body and brain used to sitting up more and more. She is off of TPN and is trying to eat more types of soft foods - such as mashed potatoes, noodles cut-up, broths with tiny cut-up carrots, and Stage 3 baby foods. She eats small amounts of these foods as tolerated. Small foods = Small steps. She is still experiencing headaches along with the burning pain. One day I will try to blog the complexities of Jessica's illness, as some things are hard to explain, complex to understand and even harder to actually live through.
Also, Dr. Dillman, the ID doctor has finally stopped all IV antibiotics and all cultures are currently negative for infections. As you know, she has been on antibiotics for the past 10 weeks due to infections. The thought is to take her off of them and see if anything develops. Due to an ongoing rash on her face, shoulders and back he has put her on an antibiotic lotion and oral antibiotics. We believe it to be a neuro-dermatitis from the RSD. Her face looks red - as if she has been sitting out in the sun ----- IF ONLY that was true!?! I will keep you posted.
Also, today we welcome back Fern and her friend Kathy from Canada. She is back again for boosters that she can't get in Canada. These boosters for Jessica and for Fern are essential in trying to alleviate the pain from RSD and to allow these patients a chance at moving forward towards a better functioning life. I have also heard from Devon, Justin, Elana, Rachel, Lindsay, Emily - please pray for these fellow RSD coma patients and their recoveries as well.
Special thanks go out once again to my new friend Blanca and her family that are taking care of their family member Olga here on the 8th floor of Hospital San Jose. Blanca, along with Lupita, Raynoldo, Tessi, and others have been so kind to me - they are true angels of God! Two days ago, Raynoldo asked me if I needed anything from the "outside". I asked him to pick me up a bag of coffee for my small coffee machine (Yes - I have a small coffee machine in the hospital room --- I can't live without it!) Well, Raynoldo comes back that same day with not just one bag of coffee - but three bags of coffee - from Starbucks! I thanked him so much by giving him a kiss, as he would not take any money from me! With that, I did what my Italian mother would have done --- I made a few pots of coffee and shared them with my new friends from Mexico! When I got back in the room Jessica asked me what I was doing, so I told her. All she said was:"Mom, even here in Mexico you have a way of making friends!!!"
Also, special thanks go out to Blanca once again. She brought 3 American magazines (People, OK, & Allure) for Jessica to look at and she gave me a present as well. It's a beautiful black caftan with flowers and birds on it. She said she always sees me in my pajamas in the hallway - and so she wanted me to look glamorous for when I walk the halls of the 8th floor of Hospital San Jose! Barbara - my friend from the Union Church had also stopped by with doughnuts and she got to meet my new friends as well. God does work through his people - even here in Monterrey Mexico!
Well, enough blogging for today. Dr. Cantu is due to arrive to give Jessica her booster at 3:00 PM. (That is American time --- in Mexico time it could be more like 5:00 PM!)
Stay well everyone.
To quote two of Jessica's favorite doctors:
Dr. Cantu - Mexico - "Small steps --- huge advances!"
Dr. Liegner - N.Y. - "Where there is life --- there is Hope!"
In God's love, always,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*
***To post a comment, CLICK on Comments below***
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
LOVE, SWEET LOVE
HI!
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Hi to All,
Please pray for Jessica today. Pray for more "good days" and less "bad days". Pray for her to feel God's love with her "every day"!
In my prayers this morning for Jessica and for all of you, the word "love" came shooting out to me. There are so many different types of love. There are so many different ways to love. But, there has only been one true constant since the beginning of time:
WE Love Because HE First Loved Us!
My prayer today for All of you is to feel His love today!
2John 1:6:
"And this is Love: That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love!"
Here is a beautiful Song with a beautiful video message:
"What the World Needs Now Is Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=MX&v=u_cIhnUEEng
In God's Love Today,
Jessica's Mom*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962
To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8
Hi to All,
Please pray for Jessica today. Pray for more "good days" and less "bad days". Pray for her to feel God's love with her "every day"!
In my prayers this morning for Jessica and for all of you, the word "love" came shooting out to me. There are so many different types of love. There are so many different ways to love. But, there has only been one true constant since the beginning of time:
WE Love Because HE First Loved Us!
My prayer today for All of you is to feel His love today!
2John 1:6:
"And this is Love: That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love!"
Here is a beautiful Song with a beautiful video message:
"What the World Needs Now Is Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=MX&v=u_cIhnUEEng
In God's Love Today,
Jessica's Mom*
***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
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Jessica's Journey to Getting Her Life Back
By Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)
As we begin this journey toward renewed health we would like to express our sincere heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick and all the work he has done and continues to do in order to bring patients like my daughter Jessica back to a more meaningful life and restored from this devastating illness. Also, special thanks to Dr. Fernando Cantu and his team of doctors in Mexico for taking on a difficult case like my daughters, Words cannot express the renewed sense of hope that we have that one day, our Jessica, can regain her life that has been taken away from her – God Bless you all!
Jessica’s Story
Once an A+ student who loved school, was involved in many extracurricular activities, played varsity tennis, lacrosse and gymnastics and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, our daughter Jessica has spent the last 3 years incapacitated, paralyzed, unable to sit or walk and eat. She spends her days confined to a hospital bed, wearing sunglasses and noise-canceling headphones, due to severe light and sound sensitivity.
Jessica and her sisters, 2 mos. before becoming illThe pain she feels is indescribable and all attempted treatments have not even come close to relieving her suffering.
She has seen many doctors, undergone numerous painful tests and procedures, has been prescribed various medications, and has been hospitalized frequently including being intubated and on a ventilator. She is severely debilitated and currently is only 92 pounds. This is certainly no life for a 21 year old young woman!
Jessica is suffering from neurologic Lyme disease and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a severely debilitating and painful neuromuscular disorder. She suffers daily with constant sharp, stabbing, tingling and burning pain; throughout her body; severe headaches; paralysis; intense muscle spasms; gastroparesis; seizures; twisting of her limbs (dystonia); sensitivity to any touch (allodynia); extreme sensitivity to lights and sounds; excessive sweating; swelling; fevers; softening of bones; decreased hair growth; redness and discoloration of the limbs; and painful skin ulcers. The pain is constant and unrelenting, but despite her suffering, her faith in God remains and she still has hope for her future.
Jessica's painful skin lesionsJessica's journey began in 1999, when she was only 11 years old. She became very ill with Mono and was bed bound for 3 months. She subsequently developed RSD (stage 1) of the lower right leg. She received early intervention and returned to playing sports and enjoying her life.
Jessica, age 15, at summer campFour years later, in 2003, while away at a sleep-away camp, she developed a rash behind her right knee, coincidentally in the same leg that previously had RSD!
At the time, the camps nurse & doctor told her that it was “duck rash” – a rash from swimming in the lake with duck feces. However, Jessica was able to obtain photos from camp from another camper which shows the classic “bulls-eye” rash from Lyme disease! It wasn’t until much later and only after developing symptoms and becoming very ill, was the diagnosis of Lyme disease and Babesiosis (another tick-borne infection) made.
Most people (and doctors!) have no idea how serious Lyme disease can become and no clue how to properly diagnose it. Unfortunately, if she would have been promptly diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease, the RSD would not have been triggered and she would not be suffering.
July 2003, Jessica's Lyme disease rashDuring these past three years and with the pain becoming more intense and unbearable she has been seeing Dr. Finkelstein for pain management. He has even made house calls to spare her the pain of coming by ambulance to his office. Jessica has been treated with multiple pain medications, at the highest possible doses, as well as an implanted dilaudid pain pump, which delivers potent medication straight into her spine. Many doctors have told us that with the amount of medications Jessica was taking would be enough to “kill a horse”—yet they had little to no effect on her. If it wasn’t for Dr. Finkelstein trying to alleviate her constant, severe, unrelenting pain, I don’t know how she would have managed. He is very special to us as well.
Recently Jessica was transported by air ambulance to Tampa, Florida to see Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick, a world renowned RSD expert. Dr. Kirkpatrick told us that Jessica is one of the most debilitated patients he has ever seen.
Jessica getting into the air-ambulance to go see Dr. KirkpatrickUpon his testing and because Jessica's condition is so severe, Dr. Kirkpatrick is recommending the only treatment available that can possibly help relieve her suffering, and afford her some semblance of a “normal” life - the Ketamine Coma Procedure - a clinical trial that is being conducted in Monterrey, Mexico.
During this procedure Jessica will be put into a coma , with the hope that her nerves, brain and spinal cord will “reset” -so that her nervous system sends the correct signals to her brain.
Yes, this is a radical, scary treatment, however, for Jessica, "scary" is thinking that she could spend the rest of her life in this condition, unable to walk, eat, or take care of herself. Since all reasonable treatments have failed to help her, we feel we must try everything possible to help Jessica regain her life.
We understand that due to Jessica’s fragile condition, there is a high risk associated with this procedure. We are also aware that other patients with severe RSD like Jessica's have had success.
Jessica’s goal is to one day become a doctor. Our hope is that with this study she can have that chance. As her Mom, I know that she will be a great doctor because when a patient presents in her office and says “Doctor, I am in pain and words cannot express how bad it is” – my daughter –Dr. Jessica– will be able to say - :I know how you feel, I’ve been there too. So, take a seat and let me tell you a story”….
We are so thankful and feel so blessed to have been led to Dr. Kirkpatrick.
God is good and with his help guiding Dr. Cantu and Dr. Kirkpatrick, our hope is for Jessica to be able to return to us whole again and pain-free!