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)
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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***
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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!