Jillian's Hope: Child With Brain Tumor Hopes for Help

A fund has been created for Jillian, a young Dixon resident with a sad story.

"She always has a smile on her face and she is willing to go out of her way despite the pain and fatigue she feels to make others happy," wrote the family in a recent blog post that announces the creation of Jillian's Hope Fund. Here's more of Jillian's story from the blog post: 

In October 2002 Jillian was in Utah with her mother attending a relative's funeral when she became very ill and collapsed. She was transported to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.  We spent the day and most of the evening waiting in the ER for the results of numerous tests.  The medical staff was desperate to find a diagnosis that would explain her sudden onset of symptoms. But none of the tests enabled them to determine a diagnosis.  Finally the doctor explained that they needed to run one last test. 

It was late in the evening when the ER physician entered the room and stated that Jillian needed to be admitted to the hospital because they now had a diagnosis.  The doctor explained that their worst fears were confirmed and that Jillian had a brain tumor. He said the tumor extended into her spine and that it was blocking the normal flow of spinal fluid.  So the fluid was building up on her brain and causing swelling. There were no guarantees that they could fix this.  But the first step was to call in the specialists to see if they could control the swelling and decrease the pressure on the brain.  After a few days of treatment in the hospital the swelling started to decrease.

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The cost of the treatment is $17,500 initially and $7600 per month for six to twelve months afterwards. Our family is asking for support and help towards Jillian's treatment from our friends, family and community.  Our goal is to raise at least half of the treatment expenses.  We also need help with transportation and housing for 30 days in Houston for the initial therapy. Airline miles and hotel points would also help, but anything you can contribute is needed. 

You can send contributions to:
Jillian's Hope Fund- A Special Needs Trustc/o Chase Bank1305 Stratford AvenueDixon, California 95620

• Make direct deposits to account number 437502649 routing number 322271627
• Or contribute through the trustee’s PayPal account: sherryakelley@gmail.com
• Or contribute via her fund site https://www.wepay.com/jillians-hope-fund_1

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