Help For Jenn (Lupus and Me)

From Jenn Schoch, the Founder of Lupus And Me
Hello my friends I still need your help. It is easy for me to give but very hard to ask for help.I never ask for anything. But i am in complete and utter desperation.

As you know I have been very ill in the last few months. Not JUST these past few weeks-- I am still recovering from lupus cerebritis, SIRS, Serious infections, Liver problems, Common Variable Immune Deficiency, (Constant Shingles--for 1 year!) Lupus Flare, Influenza A (H1N1), and other brain issues--confusion, myosyitis,weakness. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, and had psychosis! I have PT/OT 3 days a week, and have 1 specialist appointment a week (Infectious Diseases, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Hematology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Cardiology, Opthamology, Dermatology, ENT, Vascular, lol I think that is all. ) I am embarrassed to be in this position and to have to ask for help, but I humbly and graciously ask for your help.

I am just home from the hospital (Allegheny General in Pittsburgh) after suffering aseptic meningitis  after IVIG treatment I received for primary immune deficiency on Friday, and then I had a small stroke a week ago. It took me 2 hours to write this because my hands were shaking so. I also had psychosis, with hallucinations..visual and auditory--extremely frightening. I am debilitated, exhausted, and scared, but working hard to pull it together to help you all, as that also gives me strength. 

I had been barely working part time, paycheck to paycheck for the past 18 months due to Severe Lupus and multiple other illnesses. I have been really juggling lots for so long..and I just can't do it any longer.

I can be the lupus supporter of the underdog, helping those with lupus and AI diseases find validation, support, info~~it is my passion. But it does not generate income lol. I have had $2,000 in donations thus far--Thank you! This is going fast due to being behind on mortgage, .and well the normal bills--insurance premiums, utilities, etc, and copays have eaten that up. 

I have so many doctor appointments for follow up of my recent serious hospital stays. Each Specialist/PT appt costs $40 copay under my insurance, payable at time of appointment..non-negotiable. Plus, gas, etc. Appointments are 30-100 miles one way.

This will be gone in one day on auto draft for our car/homeowners insurance..we are very frugal. We literally are in no money situation..food, gas, anything. It is scary. We do use the Food bank when available. My book sells some, but very minimal money lately, and has a 2 month delay. My hope is that I will recover to be gainfully employed soon ??

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, but I have been out of work for over 8 weeks and now indefinably and possibly permanently. I want to get back to work so bad! This is exceedingly difficult financially.Well..its simply impossible. I do not have short term disability..I was a contracted (1099) employee. I do have medical insurance that started Feb 2014 (Thank God) as I owe $500,000 in medical bills from the prior year when I had none ( now that is crazy eh? ) Luckily, they are being written off! Lupus is expensive! and to think in October 2012 I had 780 credit score! That was last time I worked full time. Credit cards..I gave up on as food and shelter are way more important! I am so scared that I will have to choose between eating or going to the doctor. That has already happened before donations.

My partner has hardly been working because of exhaustion from caring for me! She is self-employed and had open heart surgery 8 months ago. This has been huge stress. So, I am feeling horrible about this, but, I have started this fund to ask for help. I would gladly not be in this position..but I am. I would do anything to show my gratitude. I Will be giving a PDF copy of my book to anyone who donates. Please send me a note to [email protected]. Thank you. A price of a cappuccino, whatever you can, is greatly appreciated! Thank you for all of your love, wishes, and prayers. I truly appreciate them.

I understand of course if you cannot donate--please send your blessings, prayers, positive thoughts--these are equally needed and appreciated. I want you to know how very deeply appreciative I am of all of you--a kind word, a loving thought, these are extraordinarily valuable--Thank you??

I will get back on my feet and go out and Send my message of love, and perseverance. I want to help people, and change people's lives for the better. I have several books in the works, and I have been working on starting a foundation for  Lupus and Me. One of the things I want to do with the foundation is have funds available for lupies in this situation via celebrity and corporate fundraising. A daunting task, and one that takes time. In addition, I am working on a beauty line, a clothing line, motivational speaking engagements, timeshares, picnics, scholarships, patient conferences, and much more!  

I am starting a Chat/page (in exploratory phases now ), in which I will utilize my knowledge as an NP and answer medical questions for you. Will do weekly questions on video feed also! I am putting together a Lupus and Me Cookbook of all of your recipes, and will make available FREE on PDF for everyone. Also, I am doing another Stronger than Lupus Video ?? These are just some of the things I am working on for all of you <3  I am incredibly blessed to be fulfilling my destiny of helping all of you ?? Thank you~

I know so many of us suffer finacially because of this illness. I believe that we can change the world for the better, lifting each other, and ourselves ?? I will give back tenfold in written word and support, any other way that I can...I will give the shirt off my back! I love you all ?? You are all so beautiful!

Hugs and blessings,

~Jenn Schoch RN, MSN, FNP-BC ??Lupus And Me

https://assets.gogetfunding.com/project/help-for-jenn-lupus-and-me