My name is Jessica Gutierrez and I have struggled with Type 1 diabetes for 23 years. It has been a roller coaster journey since day one. As a brittle diabetic, I have experienced a lot of unfortunate complications along the way. I can no longer feel when my sugar drops which leads to seizures and blackouts — everyday life is very dangerous for me. The only option I have for a healthy life is a pancreas transplant.
The transplant journey is much more complicated than I ever could have imagined. After graduating from high school, I attended The Art Institute for Fashion Design and then graduated from cosmetology school. No sooner had I started my career as a junior stylist then the complications from my diabetes left me no choice but to walk away from it. In 2012, I had moved back to PA to be closer to family and their support and I felt fortunate to be placed on the transplant waiting list at UPMC. How could I have known then that I would get called on 5 separate occasions, told that a match had been found, only to have my hopes crushed. By the fifth call, I had moved to FL with my mom, the warm weather being easier on my body. However, the surgeon wanted me to come in right away. We thought this must be THE call. My sister and I got on the phone immediately to purchase airplane tickets back to Pittsburgh. A thousand dollars and 7 hours in the hospital later, I was given the heartbreaking news the pancreas was not viable. I could not continue to put myself and my family through this roller coaster ride of emotions. I made the decision to transfer to Tampa General in FL. I came to learn that I would have to go through the entire pre-transplant evaluation process all over again to see if I would be approved to be placed on their waiting listing.
Receiving a transplant is a life-changing experience, but it is physically, mentally, emotionally and financially challenging. Even with insurance, I will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, home healthcare, travel and temporary relocation housing for myself and a caregiver for at least one month post-transplant. I will need to take costly anti-rejection medications for the rest of my life.
To help with the financial burden of uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community- based fundraising guidance to patients and their families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Pancreas Transplant Fund. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please, consider an end-of-year tax deductible contribution.
For credit card contributions, please click the Donate Now button.
With a new pancreas I will be able to pursue my dream and once again work in a profession that I love. I believe with the support of my family, friends and community, together we can CURE me of Type 1 diabetes. Thank you for your support, generosity and compassion.
Jessica Gutierrez
215.900.3871
