Kick Ass ALS 💜
Thank you for helping us fight for Jeanette
Over time, it’s become more difficult for Jeanette to keep everyone updated about her progression, and with much of our time focused on her care, it’s also been hard for us to make sure family and friends stay in the loop. We’re also so grateful that several people have asked how they can help, so we decided to create this site to share updates and make it easier to support her care.
Jeanette's Journey
As many of you know, four years ago, Jeanette, the bright light who would stay up all night perfecting your résumé or send you Insomnia cookies just because, was diagnosed with ALS just as she entered her 40s. This merciless disease has slowly stolen nearly all her physical abilities. She’s now bedbound, unable to speak and relies on a PEG tube, oxygen and an external ventilator (BiPap) to survive each day.
Despite these cruel realities, using nothing but her eyes to communicate, Jeanette continues to bring joy where she can: counting down the days until Christmas with her nieces, sharing funny TikToks and challenging others to complete the daily Connections puzzle.
Caring for Jeanette now requires round-the-clock nursing and specialized support. Jeanette and her husband have depleted their savings with making accessibility updates to their home, including converting a bathroom, installing a medical lift to accommodate her wheelchair, adding ramps and more. In addition, they have experienced Jeanette's reduced income and new increased medical expenses of more than $100,000 per year that aren't covered by insurance. Her family and closest friends have filled in as caregivers, chipped in to cover costs and support in any way we can. But after four years, we need more help.
Thanks to our incredible Aunt and Uncle, we’ve partnered with the Patriot Military Family Foundation (PMFF) to collect donations for Jeanette’s medical expenses. Unlike other donation platforms, PMFF does not take a percentage of the profits - every dollar goes directly to Jeanette's care and your gift is fully tax-deductible. PMFF will also validate each expense before releasing funds, ensuring responsible use of every donation.
Despite these cruel realities, using nothing but her eyes to communicate, Jeanette continues to bring joy where she can: counting down the days until Christmas with her nieces, sharing funny TikToks and challenging others to complete the daily Connections puzzle.
Caring for Jeanette now requires round-the-clock nursing and specialized support. Jeanette and her husband have depleted their savings with making accessibility updates to their home, including converting a bathroom, installing a medical lift to accommodate her wheelchair, adding ramps and more. In addition, they have experienced Jeanette's reduced income and new increased medical expenses of more than $100,000 per year that aren't covered by insurance. Her family and closest friends have filled in as caregivers, chipped in to cover costs and support in any way we can. But after four years, we need more help.
Thanks to our incredible Aunt and Uncle, we’ve partnered with the Patriot Military Family Foundation (PMFF) to collect donations for Jeanette’s medical expenses. Unlike other donation platforms, PMFF does not take a percentage of the profits - every dollar goes directly to Jeanette's care and your gift is fully tax-deductible. PMFF will also validate each expense before releasing funds, ensuring responsible use of every donation.
To Donate:
2
In the Special Instructions box, type:
3
"Apply this donation to WP75 Reconnect-Jen"
Why Home Care is Essential
Jeanette is paralyzed except for her eyes. She cannot breathe or eat on her own. She communicates with eye-tracking software and requires support for every basic need, including bathing and using the bathroom.
24/7 respiratory support, including an external ventilator and oxygen
PEG tube and sterile medication administration
Cough assist and suction devices
Frequent repositioning every few hours to prevent bedsores
Hoyer lift and catheter care
Coordination between multiple specialists
Many facilities will not accept patients that need ventilator support, like Jeanette. Facilities that are capable of this level of care have years-long waitlists, and even then can only provide basic oversight. At home, with nurses who understand her needs, Jeanette can remain safe and supported.
A Real Shot at Hope
While ALS has no cure yet, new stem cell treatments show promise of slowing or even reversing ALS progression. It's the first real hope we've had in four years.
But pursuing these trials means more specialized care, monitoring and travel — costs that pile on top of her daily survival needs.
But pursuing these trials means more specialized care, monitoring and travel — costs that pile on top of her daily survival needs.
Jeanette is the person who showed up—always. Now she faces the unthinkable: losing access to care that keeps her safe and lets her stay connected.
Typing with her eyes can take 20 minutes to send a simple message. She misses birthdays and weddings. She can’t offer help the way she used to. But her mind, her humor, and her love for others remain as strong as ever.
This is our moment to show up for her.
Jeanette taught us that being there for others is what matters most. Today, we're asking you to be there for her. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping Jeanette continue this fight—with dignity, hope, and love.
Typing with her eyes can take 20 minutes to send a simple message. She misses birthdays and weddings. She can’t offer help the way she used to. But her mind, her humor, and her love for others remain as strong as ever.
This is our moment to show up for her.
Jeanette taught us that being there for others is what matters most. Today, we're asking you to be there for her. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping Jeanette continue this fight—with dignity, hope, and love.
With endless gratitude,
Jeanette’s Family and Friends
P.S. We'll post regular updates on Jeanette's progress, how funds are being used, and milestones reached. Follow this page to stay connected to her journey.
