I’m reaching out to ask that we all come together to support my dear friend and coworker, Jessica Steinert, during an incredibly difficult time. Jessica’s husband, Andy, is currently in the ICU on a ventilator. Right now, Jessica needs to be by her husband’s side without the added stress of financial burdens. From Jessica; A little back story: Andy has a diagnosis of Alport Syndrome. It goes back 5 generations. It affects the kidneys, hearing and eyes. Andy had his first kidney transplant in 2006. Unfortunately, due to the diagnosis, he went into a repeated kidney failure that required dialysis treatments again starting in August. He was on the kidney transplant list but has not found a match. The transplant team told Andy and Jessica it could take up to 3-5 years to find a match. Overtime, Andy has had several hospital stays, with recently more frequent the past 5 weeks. Andy was transferred to Hershey 2 weeks ago due to having too much fluid around his heart and on his body. He was in heart failure. They removed over 5lbs of fluid daily 4 days in row. Andy made improvements and was able to come home. Andy has had 23 total units of blood transfused in the past 6 weeks. This past Thursday, the transplant team called Andy and told him to get to the nearest hospital due to his hemoglobin dropping to 5.5. Since, this hospital admission, Andy’s transplant team placed him on a ventilator due to the fluid overload, his oxygen saturation dropping to 70s, to prevent brain damage and let his body heal from the flight or fight mode it was in. They removed 3200mL of fluid yesterday. This morning they discovered he has pneumonia in his left lung. He is currently suffering a fever and is obtaining more fluid. They are planning to do another dialysis treatment tomorrow and remove the same or more. The team discussed putting in a feeding tube for nutrition. Andy’s wishes were to not have one placed. Jessica and family are discussing options with the transplant and medical team. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. At this time, Jessica kindly asking that everyone keep phone calls, text messages, and direct contact to a minimum. This will allow them to focus their time, energy, and attention on Andy and cherish every precious moment together. They are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers support. Please understand that if Jessica does not respond to messages or calls, it is not personal. Right now, her priority is being by Andy’s side. We kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult and emotional time. Jess will share updates with me as they become available and when the family feels comfortable doing so. Unfortunately, while this devastating time, bills don’t stop coming. I am organizing a collection of monetary donations, gift cards, and a meal train to help Jessica and the family during this heartbreaking time. Any contribution, big or small, would mean so much. We are more than just coworkers, and this is an opportunity for us to come together and show Jessica that she is not alone. Thoughts and prayers are always welcomed. A CashApp account was set up for Jessica, Andy and family. Monetary donations can be sent to CashApp $caringforjess. If you do not have CashApp and want to donate, please let me know and we can arrange a way. Gift Cards are welcome. She made a list, but can be a gift card for anything/anywhere. Target, Giant, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Visa/Mastercard, Sheetz, DoorDash, Starbucks, Dunkin, Fuel Gift Cards, any restaurants, etc. Gift cards can be purchased through here or get in touch with me, and we can arrange a time so I can get her the items. More information will be coming soon regarding a schedule sign up for meal arrangements. Jessica made a list for me to attach. Please keep in mind that they are in the hospital, so space and heating availability is limited. There is access to a microwave. NO PEANUTS! Jessica has a peanut allergy. Any kind of frozen meals, any kind of Pasta, stuffed shells, lasagna, chicken of any kind, chicken nuggets/fingers/wings, pot roast, chicken Alfredo, turkey, any vegetables, ham with green beans and potatoes, chocolate chip granola bars, s’more’s granola bars, fruit cups, watermelon, peaches, Granny Smith apples, bananas, ravioli, SpaghettiOs, Easy Mac and Cheese, brownies, pie, and cupcakes. Please avoid: Beans (except green beans), Salisbury steak, and anything pumpkin-flavored. Thank you for all the support.
At this time, Jessica kindly asking that everyone keep phone calls, text messages, and direct contact to a minimum. This will allow them to focus their time, energy, and attention on Andy and cherish every precious moment together. They are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers support. Please understand that if Jessica does not respond to messages or calls, it is not personal. Right now, her priority is being by Andy’s side. We kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult and emotional time. Jess will share updates with me as they become available and when the family feels comfortable doing so.