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Jessie, an infinitely kind, single, working mother of two needs a kidney.
Jessie is the strongest, most impressive woman I know. She is an incredible mother to her two children Milo (age 13) and Lila (age 10), and an eternally giving individual. This inseparable family of three lives in a small fishing community on an island off the coast of Maine, with a population of roughly 350 people. Here Jessie cooks and manages the kitchen of the islanders’ favorite restaurant, among other jobs. Last year, after working 60 to 80 hour weeks, making time to be with her kids and helping them with homework, she started feeling unwell. It started with leg cramps and an incessant itchiness. Over the winter the cramps got much worse, often waking her multiple times a night. No amount of water or supplements were helping, so this spring, before the busy season, she had some bloodwork done. Thinking that it would be a routine procedure, she left the clinic figuring she’d learn that it was some simple, resolvable issue. Later that day she was rushed off island to the hospital, and within 24 hours was informed that she was in complete, end-stage renal failure. The doctors could not understand how she was standing with the levels of different toxins in her blood, let alone walking, talking, and working. Within hours she had started dialysis and will have to continue that treatment three times a week until she receives a new kidney and her body does not reject it.
End-stage renal failure is hard enough to deal with: the thousands that every dialysis treatment costs; the long hours spent on hold with different insurance companies; and, as simple as it may seem, the enormous wrench thrown into the daily routine that gives us all so much solace. Jessie now has to wake up, get her two kids ready for school (which we all know is no easy feat!), get herself to the state ferry that runs three times a day (1hr 10min), drive to dialysis (50 min), be dialyzed (4hrs), drive back (50 min), try and catch the middle boat (1hr 10min), to get back and pick her kids up at cross country, or perhaps the play they are in. That is an eight hour day already! That alone is enough for any one person, but on top of that she works at the restaurant, preparing food, coordinating orders, making schedules, and often having to walk right off the boat into work for the evening. All without a word of complaint.
Fortunately, her brother Sam has a kidney for her! After months of testing, and many more trips to the mainland, the time for surgery is fast approaching. She could not be more grateful to her brother for granting her the gift of life, and he could not be happier to do it.
With all that being said though, none of this is free, and much of it feels overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. From the ambulance ride to the immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medication) she will have to take for the rest of her life; the risks of surgery for her and her brother; the potential for rejection and needing another kidney; the stress of dialysis; being away from her kids so much; and then there’s the nightmare of dealing with insurance (4 plans!), which she is lucky enough to have, and still not everything is covered. There are travel expenses (ferry and car 2 hours each way to dialysis, 3 hours each way to the transplant center), work time lost, co-pays and deductibles to meet, medical expenses for her donor, to name a few. She already owes thousands of dollars, and she hasn’t even had a transplant yet.
Jessie has never been one to share in her burdens. She has always fought and persevered through the many hardships in her life, of which there have been many. Unfortunately, the salary of a kitchen manager at a small island restaurant is not enough to raise two kids, pay for the hospitalization, the dialysis, the surgery, her brother’s surgery, the medication she will have to be on the rest of her life, and much more that health insurance does not cover. Here is where she turns to Help Hope Live. Here is where I hope her eternal kindness is rewarded. Here is where she must rely on the generosity of others.
Jessie has never been good at asking for help, but she realizes that this is not something she can do alone. I convinced Jessie to let me write this letter because I love her, and I do not believe she knows how much she means to our community. Any assistance you choose to give to Jessie would be so immensely appreciated and it wouldn’t just help her fiscally. It would help her breathe a little easier, give her more time with her kids, and grant her the much needed sense of serenity and peace that a diagnosis such as this one takes from you so abruptly. Thank you for reading this, and for your consideration. If you are able to help in any way, please click on the link below. Every donation helps!
Family and friends of Jessie Hallowell are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Jessie has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Updates (5)
February 11, 2020
Just over a year post-transplant, and my brother and I are both doing really well. My doctors tell me I am their most boring patient, and that is the best thing I could hear! I had a little surgery a couple months ago to remove a ball of scar tissue from a popped stitch, and to fix a small hernia. I am back to feeling great and doing all my normal activities. I went skydiving and hiking in Arizona last week, and was so thankful to be alive and feeling good to do that!
November 21, 2018
I had the last bit of plastic taken out of my body yesterday. Three weeks in and Sam and I are recovering well. My kidney function is amazing! I have so much to be thankful for.
November 2, 2018
After #transplanttuesday Sam and I are both moving slowly but are making progress. Not surprisingly, Sam gave me a super kidney. My hero. I am feeling so incredibly lucky.
October 12, 2018
Friends!
We have a date! Sam and Jessie have surgery scheduled for October 30th! Things are moving quickly, and your support and messages of love and encouragement have buoyed her spirits tremendously. She knows how so very lucky she is to have Sam, to have all of you on her team.
On another note, her other brother Zach is having surgery for colon cancer. It had to be rescheduled, and is now the day after Sam and Jessie’s surgery, in the same hospital. Send good healing thoughts his way, too!
With love and appreciation.
October 3, 2018
Message from Jessie:
I have no words to thank you all for this gift. I am overwhelmed, humbled, grateful. Your kindness and generosity are beyond anything I ever imagined, and I am floored. Your thoughtful words mean the world to me, and I am taking time to read and savor every message, every well-wish, from friends near and far, new and old (!). It is a good reminder to let the people in your life know how much you care about them, and I am holding every one of you in my heart.
With love and gratitude,
Jessie
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
August 12, 2019
Wishing you well!
Debbie Terone
December 31, 2018
:)
Scott Burgess
December 12, 2018
You are such an amazing woman, I am sending healung thoughts and prayers your way
Tammy Tripler
November 28, 2018
So happy you are doing well!!
Steve B.
November 19, 2018
Hoping you have a speedy recovery!
Jamie Cheston
November 8, 2018
Sending Love to you and your new kidney, Jessie! You go girl! XO
Rachel Conly
November 3, 2018
My niece had you for a teacher and I am so happy you have gotten a lifesaving kidney! On Thursday I will be donating my kidney to a stranger. Over 100,000 people need a kidney and most of us have one more kidneys then we need. Think about giving someone else the gift of life. www.donortodonor.com
betsy snow
November 3, 2018
With love, Peter and Carol
Carol and Peter Willauer
November 2, 2018
To this day you are still one of my favorite teachers. Thank you for your constant encouragement and support! Wishing you a speedy and healthy recovery. Best, Ellis
Ellis Price
November 2, 2018
Sending love and healing light.
megan & farrell ruppert
November 2, 2018
Hang in there, Jessie!! Much love your way - Foster
Foster Witt
October 27, 2018
Sending you love and prayers and on going support. You've got this Jessie :-)
Ruth Allen
October 25, 2018
We love you Jessie!
Lisa Loomis
October 24, 2018
Pulling for you Jessie. Holding you in love and light. Hazel and Michael
Hazel Raby
October 22, 2018
Jesse - You are an amazement. You have had a huge and positive impact on so many children's and families lives. You have a special place all of our hearts. Wishing you all the best with the transplant and the healing. So much love and good wishes from all of us. xoxo
Kerry, Brett, Ethan and Maya
October 21, 2018
We are holding you and your family in our hearts!
Kelly Czerwinski
October 20, 2018
Perry and I want all the best for you. Deb
Deborah Meehan
October 19, 2018
You’re the best, Jess!! Salúd!!! xxWQ
Will Quackenbush
October 19, 2018
You are such a strong and kind duo. We are sending you peace and love.
Kristen Grote
October 19, 2018
Love Love love to all of you.
Blakeney Sanford
October 16, 2018
Our thoughts and best wishes are with you Jessie
Caugie Burkhart
October 16, 2018
No words necessary, just strength and love to you and all of your family members whom we hold so dearly. -Matthew & Claudia Scott-Hansen and family
Matthew Scott-Hansen
October 15, 2018
Good luck to you and Sam!
Barbara Van Gelder
October 14, 2018
Thinking of all of you...Jesse, Sam, Zach...and sending you much love. Hope all goes well at the end of October xoxox Anna
Anna Lockwood
October 13, 2018
You are in our thoughts and prayers Jessie. All the Best Bob & Gail Bach
Robert & Gail Bach
October 13, 2018
I am holding you close, precious Jessie. With your kind, light-filled heart, you are cherished! Sending Sam and you much love and warm wishes for gentle healing. xoxo Clare
Clare Ruthenburg
October 13, 2018
Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all the way, Jessie. I am visualizing a successful surgery, and a complete and speedy recovery to full health for both you and your brother. With love, Carol and Burr Taylor
Carol Duron Taylor
October 12, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Jessie. It is truly a gift of life that Sam is able to help you. You have always been a quiet person of strength and a most remarkable young woman. I hope you will be home soon and healthy. Much love, Linda
Linda Haskell
October 11, 2018
We are grateful beyond measure for all that you gave to our family as a teacher and friend and mentor. We are pulling for you now and hoping for all the best for you. Love from Carol and John and Delia and Alida Farrell
JOHN FARRELL
October 11, 2018
Dear Jesse -- Wishing you a total success, much love, Alex
ALEXANDER SANGER
October 11, 2018
Thinking of you and sending much love.
Ruth Lockwood
October 10, 2018
Our hearts are with you, Jessie. Please heal!
Keith Eaton
October 10, 2018
Jessie - Wishing you and your family the best through all of this. Know you will emerge even stronger and healthier once all is said and done!
Matt Roberts (Bowdoin ‘93)
October 10, 2018
With all the best healthy wishes, Elin
ELIN ELISOFON
October 9, 2018
We love you Hallowells and we send our healing thoughts your way! xoxo Jojo & Jeff
Jeffrey Longnecker
October 8, 2018
Dear Jessica: Thinking of you as you approach your transplant. Wishing good outcome and many happy, healthy years to come for you and your beautiful family. With Love, Linda and Steve
Linda Dashew
October 7, 2018
love love love you, jessie. so much. thinking of you all and sending love from Armenia <3
Macy Galvan
October 7, 2018
Hi Jessie, Seeing the names of so many students and parents reflects how lucky we all were to have you part of the Mast Landing family. And all their positive energy flowing toward you can't help but speed up your return to good health. You do deserve it.
Gene & Claire Berg
October 7, 2018
I am sending so much love to you and to Sam. Your strength is an inspiration. Much love from Boston. Christie's friend...Judy Merritt
Judy Merritt
October 6, 2018
Roman and I are rooting for you! Such a great gift from Sam to a wonderful Mom (and sister.)
Christine Cooper
October 6, 2018
Best of luck to you! Fizz and Jen Papps, Madison Cilk
Madison Cilk
October 5, 2018
Best wishes for easy recovery and good health. Maggie Salter
Margery Salter
October 5, 2018
Jessie, we are rooting for you and sending healing energy your way! Much love, Emilia, Aaron, Attean
Emilia Dahlin
October 5, 2018
We love you Jessie!
Alexandra Thomsen
October 5, 2018
We love you Jessie!!
Mina and Rowan Wade
October 5, 2018
Jessie our neighbor and friend. You are one of the strongest out there. You can do this! Sending positive vibes your way! Sending love to you, Sam, Milo and Lila!
Ellen Mecray, Stephen and Lydia
October 5, 2018
Love, prayers, and gratitude from the Moore/Macdonald/Roux family.
Arnie, Liza, Jamie, Luke and Angus
October 5, 2018
Jessie, sending you and your gorgeous kiddos much love. Torrey Hinman
Torrey Hinman Plank
October 5, 2018
Dear Jessie, We are sending love and positive thoughts your way! You and your family are such an inspiration. Thank goodness Sam is a match and willing to give you the gift of hope and love! Wishing you all the best as you prepare for the surgeries and ongoing recovery. With love , Ben and Miko
Benjamin Garrison
October 5, 2018
With love from our family
David Lawrence
October 4, 2018
With love from across the water....
Susan Lawrence
October 4, 2018
Sending strength and love to you and your beautiful family. xo The Hartley Family
Tara & Mark Hartley
October 4, 2018
Jessie, So sorry to hear about your health problem. I wish you all of the best as you get through this. Sending hugs and healing thoughts and prayers.
Shay Sawicki
October 4, 2018
As a recipient have a kidney, transplanted two years ago, I can tell you that life is a gift, and the donor who allowed for me to be on the table to receive a kidney, donating her own, also lives in Maine. My prayers for you Jesse, stand with you in prayer, and encourage numerous people to be tested to offer a kidney. Give the gift of life.
The Rev Mark K J Robinson
October 4, 2018
Jessie - thinking of you and your family. Sending love and hope that you can find a match soon!
Neil Sattin
October 4, 2018
Wishing you healing thoughts...you are surrounded by love & care, and we know how much that helps in going through this. Thinking of you, Juliet Lamont & Phil Price
Juliet Lamont
October 4, 2018
Jess, we are all thinking of you and Sam in the weeks ahead. Sending huge love, Dinah
Dinah Barlow
October 4, 2018
Dear Jessie, Your creative talent, genuine kindness and warm smile has brought much joy to so many. In this challenging time, glad you can feel all the love. Peace to you, and all good wishes.
Karen Geraghty
October 4, 2018
Hoping and praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery from your old friends at First Step! Jacky Swindler and Kristen Dorsey
jacky Swindler
October 4, 2018
Mike and I are rooting for you and Sam. And, since we've been through this, are always available for questions.
Constance Adler
October 4, 2018
We love you Jessie From Steph, Mal, Patsy, Ben and Alyssa
Stephanie Brown
October 4, 2018
Jessie - you continue to amaze us all with your strength. Please know we are rooting for you and for Sam and know that you will get through this. Please take time to rest and heal. Everything else can wait. XOXO, Pie and Bob
Jennifer Pie Cabot Breslin
October 4, 2018
Jessie, you touched so many kids lives when you taught at Mast Landing, including Ryder's. We care deeply about you. You are an amazing person who has given so much to so many. Now it's your turn to receive, feel the love and all the healing energy and light getting beamed your way.
Dede Bennell
October 4, 2018
Hi Jessie! I am just learning of your health complications. So so sorry. Ryder said he saw you on North Haven this past summer. We are all rooting for you and holding you close in our hearts and healing thoughts. Sending big love to you! xoxo Dede, David, Ryder and Jesse
Dede Bennell
October 3, 2018
Jesse, Wishing you all good things. I remember your quiet, positive presence at Mast Landing. You made such an impact. Now it's time for us to make an impact for you. All the best.
Laurie Allen
October 3, 2018
Sending lots of love, strength, and healing thoughts through the ether to you and your brother! XxGillian
Gillian MacKenzie
October 3, 2018
Hi Jessie. I have such fond memories of our time teaching together at Soule School...and the fun we had when we went to Boston. I’ve always loved and admired your beautiful spirit. I will be keeping you in my thoughts. ❤️
Sue Goddard
October 3, 2018
Sending you all of my love, Jess. And thinking of you all the time. Missing you and those kiddos. See you soon. xoxo
Leta Hallowell
October 3, 2018
Lots of love and strength to you, Jessie, and to Sam, Milo, Lila, and the whole amazing family. xoxo Cassie + Isaiah
Cassie Mann
October 3, 2018
Prayers and love being sent!
Ellen Brochu
October 3, 2018
Jessie, you are such a special soul. Thank you for your kindness to me and to everyone else whose life you've touched. I am rooting for you and wishing you well! Sending much love.
Sarah Lawrence
October 3, 2018
Lots of love Jessie!
Page Nichols
October 3, 2018
Sending you healing thoughts from DC.
Emily Stokes
October 3, 2018
Hi Jessie!! I am so happy to see your beautiful face after all these years. I just wish it was for a different reason! I am so happy that you have found a match in your brother and I will be sending healing thoughts and prayers to you both. You’ve got this!!! Love, Nancy
Nancy Roy Broderick
October 3, 2018
Thinking of you all with love, hope, and strength. Love, Linda and Dieter
Linda Moran
October 3, 2018
Sending you OODLES of love and hugs and just so THRILLED to hear that Sam is a match. I have a little more time now that things have slowed down, let me know how else I can help. You are so loved and adored and so glad you are feeling it from every direction. Stay strong, love you! Rachel
Rachel Noyes
October 3, 2018
Dear Jessie, Is it wrong that one of my big take-aways from this is that I should spend more time on social media? This is huge and thank you for sharing this and giving me the opportunity to help. Of all the people I've known, I feel you can handle this better than anyone! Lots of hugs to the kids, not from me though, they don't know me, that would be weird, but hug them lots. Love, Shane
Shane O'Brien
October 3, 2018
Jessie dear, Sending you lots of love and good vibes from all of us. Loved seeing you this summer. Toria +Geoff
Toria Brett
October 3, 2018
You're a badass. Thinking so much about you and sending love your way! Love, Lauren and Leo
Lauren Wayne
October 3, 2018
With so much love to you, Jessie. You have the most beautiful heart. My heart grows bigger every time I see you at Calderwood Hall. Sending you, your sweet children, Sam and your whole family bountiful goodness as you journey forward. I will be holding you in my heart. Rachel
Rachel Nixon
October 3, 2018
Colin sullivan-stevens
October 3, 2018
Sent with healing love and energy. We love you Jessie, Milo, Lila, Sam and the whole clan!
Kelsey Jones
October 3, 2018
With all of our love and support Chris, Justine, Ellie, Nate & Celia
Chris Huntington
October 3, 2018
Jessie, We are thinking of you, Sam, and your family. Best wishes, Susan and Jeff
Jeffrey Crawford
October 3, 2018
Thinking of you, Jessie! Sending love.
Peggy Ho
October 3, 2018
Sending strength and to you Jesse and Sam! Xo Eve, Joe, and Sol
Eve Hadley
October 3, 2018
Hi Jessie, so sorry to hear that you are going through this. Thinking of you. Let me know if there is anything I can help out with. Contact me anytime. Jen
Jennifer Blastow
October 3, 2018
Sending the most love humanly possible across the bay.
Fiona Harbert
October 3, 2018
Hi Jessie, it's been a million years since high school, but I heard about what's going on and I wish you all the best for your recovery - Denise Daniel
Denise Daniel
October 3, 2018
We’re rooting for both you & Sam Our thoughts and prayers are with you All the best! Peter & Kinnon
Kinnon & Peter Williamson
October 2, 2018
Jessie, We're sending our love and healing thoughts. And also our gratitude - you are such a positive and loving influence on so many people. Tonee, Shoshannah and Fiona
Tonee Harbert
October 2, 2018
Jessie was one my my three children's favorite teachers and a really special person in our lives. She is a beautiful soul with a passion for life, love and children, and we care for her deeply.
Agnes Torchio
October 2, 2018
Giant hugs and well wishes to a sweet strong woman and her family,
Bebe and Pablo Gazmuri
October 2, 2018
Jesse, You are in our hearts and prayers! You have given so much in your life so I hope you will accept and get all the help that you need at this time! You are one of the most resilient people I know! Love, Michelle, John, Spencer,Emma and Maya Egan
Michelle Bosse
October 2, 2018
Hope and Healing wishes to all. Donation in honor of a beautiful person, Jessie Hollowell.
Maryjane Johnston
October 2, 2018
Even though I don't know this woman, I would hope someone would help me if I needed it.. here's hoping it's not as expensive and she heals faster than expected.... peace
ann tracy
October 2, 2018
Jessie We are sending lots of love and well wishes to you! We are behind you all the way!!! Love Katie and Izzy McClelland And parents Heather and David
Heather McClelland
October 2, 2018
From The Iselin Family - Ben, Cathy, John and Lucy
Cathy Iselin
October 2, 2018
Jessie - I have such fond memories and am sending you love and healing. I had no idea - you are a total trooper. You are one strong human!
Katrina Veerman
October 2, 2018
Miss you and love you Jessie! Sending love and light.
Rachael Garbowski
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Help Hope Live
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In honor of Jessie Hallowell
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Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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