Please join us in supporting Jennie Escobedo, a Rogers Elementary teacher, and her family as she faces major surgery on December 1. Jennie has spent her career serving students with special needs in Chicago Public Schools. She and her husband Patrick, a teacher at Fenton High School, are raising four children ages five through fourteen. Since a car accident in May 2023, Jennie has been living with severe nerve and autonomic conditions, including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type Two, compressed arteries, and POTS. These cause intense pain, dizziness, fatigue, and make even simple daily tasks very difficult. In August Jennie had a rib resection, and on December 1 she underwent a second major surgery that included another rib resection and two additional muscle releases. She is on medical leave so she can focus on treatment and recovery, while Patrick balances caring for her and their children. This is a loving, hardworking family that has poured so much into their students and community. Now they need us. The Escobedos would be deeply grateful for help through meals, baked goods, snacks, freezer friendly dishes, playdates for Nora and Eleanore, and rides for swim lessons or occupational therapy. If you are short on time, Venmo contributions for groceries or meals are also very appreciated. Every act of kindness lightens their load so they can focus on healing and recovery. To coordinate drop-offs or support, please text or call Patrick at 630-204-0223. Please follow this page to stay updated and connected. To Learn More About These Conditions Click on the Links below: Cleveland Clinic information on POTS https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16560-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots The Dysautonomia Project https://thedysautonomiaproject.org/ Mayo Clinic information on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc Cleveland Clinic information on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17553 Johns Hopkins Medicine on CRPS https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/complex-regional-pain-syndrome
Even if you are sending a Venmo, please sign up for a day so the family can keep track of everything. Please plan food for 4–6 happy eaters. :) If you’re looking for simple meal ideas, the Escobedos would be grateful for easy soups, stews, and chilis (such as chicken noodle, beef or veggie stew, turkey chili, white bean chili, or lentil soup), baked chicken with simple sides, meatloaf, sloppy joes, crockpot pulled chicken or pork, spaghetti with meat sauce, baked chicken tenders, enchilada or pasta casseroles, and other straightforward family-style meals. Fresh fruit, veggie trays, muffins, banana bread, and chocolate or lemon desserts are always a big hit. The family is incredibly grateful for every bit of support. Drop-offs can be whenever works for you.