Help save Jill’s leg

I first saw Jill on a sunny afternoon at the train station. It was our first time to meet each other in person after so many online conversations, but immediately it was made clear to us that the connection we felt was real. She’s sweet, funny and kind. The best part of my day is seeing her bright smile and hearing her contagious laughter as she sprinkles our conversations with her signature dark humor.

Jill is strong-willed and stubborn. It’s not always like that sunny afternoon full of new beginnings and butterflies in our stomachs, but we make it work. We’ve become closer than either of us could have ever imagined when we started, and we are slowly building a family together.

But now, we find ourselves in a bit of a predicament.

A few years ago, Jill woke up and found herself unable to move – she was completely paralyzed. She was rushed to the hospital and that’s when she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type I and Syringomyelia.

These were the types of illnesses that should have been diagnosed as a child. But she was already in her late 20’s by then, and the disease had already caused extensive nerve damage.

Since then, she’s already had various surgical operations and rehabilitation in order to mitigate the damage. The pain was excruciating, but she bore through it without complaints.

At present, she still suffers from intense chronic pain, and many of the other symptoms related to her illness like loss of sensation in certain body parts, trouble with balance, and fine motor skill problems. Waking up is a hurdle as she starts everyday in unbearable pain. Walking is a chore as she must coordinate and consciously think about getting each foot on the ground.

Over the years, she has visited several doctors, and each one of them has been amazed when they see her walk into her office. By all accounts, if one were to look only at her MRI scans, she shouldn’t even be able to walk. Jill has heard, “This will be your last year,” at least three times, but here she is, beating their “deadlines” and proving the impossible is possible through sheer will. I told you she was stubborn.

Old models of neurostimulators weren’t enough due to her extensive nerve damage. They couldn’t connect the device to her nerves. Fortunately, newer models are advanced enough to do this, and she can finally get her surgery. This will get rid of her chronic pain and manage her other symptoms.

We are already selling our house and have taken out loans. This will cover the three operations she has scheduled this year and will partly cover the operation and rehabilitation for the neurostimulator. We only need a little bit more so we can afford the latter.

Despite all these, Jill retains her sweetness, kindness and humor. Everyday, I’m greeted with a smile on her face and a kiss on the lips. She’s one hell of a fighter, but even the toughest fighters can’t do it alone without a support system. I would like to help her in her fight.

I’m hoping you would too.

Please share this with your family and friends, and (if you can) please consider making a donation. Every single euro will help. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with this beautiful woman and our growing family.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

With much love and hope,

Anne Divina