UPDATE 12/16 @9:32 p.m. Time for a final update about Chris and Jamie. Chris was overwhelmed and grateful for the extremely generous show of support by everyone who contributed. The money was a tremendous help in covering medical and funeral costs. I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts in helping this family during a time of need. Your efforts have not and will not be forgotten. Please continue to keep Chris and Gavin in your thoughts. Thank you!
UPDATE 10/30 @ 10:02 a.m.: Chris and Jamie’s local news organization has run a story about her situation, with more details. You can find it online here at The Tennessean website.
UPDATE 10/29 @ 3:13 p.m.: I just received terrible news that despite best efforts and Jamie’s constant fighting to survive, it was not enough. She has passed away. Thank you everyone for all your prayers, donations and kind wishes. I ask you to continue to spread the word and donate if possible, her family needs help now more than ever.
I’ve been active in social media and writing on this blog for some time now and have never asked for something like this. I can only hope that I’ve earned enough trust and credibility to be able to ask for something back from you. You see, a terrible has happened to someone I know, and she needs all the help we can muster. Meet Jamie Loveless
Above is a picture of Jamie and her family. Husband Chris and 9 month old son Gavin. They were recently on vacation as a family in Florida, when Jamie became sick with respiratory problems. Jamie was taken the the emergency room, and eventually diagnosed with a severe case of H1N1 flu (aka swine flu). She was initially given a 10-15% chance of survival during her first night at the hospital. Her lungs filled with fluid, and she was put on a ventilator. Incredibly, she made it through the night. Now, her condition has improved slightly, and her probability of survival has increased but she’s far from recovering. She’s still experiencing multiple organ failures, relying on a ventilator to breathe, and is sedated. She needs a miracle to survive, and her family needs other support to help them get through this terrible ordeal.
Chris and Jamie live in Nashville, TN, and will be forced to stay in Florida for several weeks at the very least. This means they are unable to work, and face rising medical bills, lodging, food and transportation expenses.
I know this is one of the worst times to ask for help, given the economic and employment challenges we face. However, many people that know Jamie are doing what they can to help. Some have provided donations for expenses, others free lodging and other assistance. That’s what I’m asking. Please help if you can. We’ve committed to giving, diverting funds from other places. I’m asking if you could think about doing the same. Or at the very least, helping get the word out about this. We are looking to raise 5k for Jamie and her family. Enough so that her family doesn’t have to worry about how to pay for the medical care that is crucial to saving Jamie’s life.
Please consider helping in one or more of the following ways:
1. Giving whatever you can by donating at this Chipin link (“Chip in” uses Pay Pal and it’s very easy to donate and it’s secure)
2. Spread the word. Please, please blog this, Facebook share this, tweet this, re-tweet this.
3. Help find a donor (maybe a generous company or individual)
I don’t have anything to offer back other. Zero. Zilch. Not a top donor list or fancy recognition. All I can offer is the satisfaction of knowing you helped make a difference to someone not currently able to help themselves. I’ve seen the incredible power of “community” at work before in times of need, like when David Armano put out the call to help Daniela. I’m simply hoping the community has a little bit more left to give to, literally, a life and death situation.
Respectfully,
Ken Burbary and friends of Jamie & Chris Loveless
PS, if you don’t feel comfortable using Pay Pal, please e-mail us here and we’ll figure it out. And thank you.
