Who: Jason Sullivan describes his wife, Alyssa, as an amazing partner and mother who not only aspires to become a dental hygienist but also “constantly puts herself out there for her family, friends (and) others.” Unfortunately, the Dickson City woman also lives with gastroesophageal reflux disease thanks to complications from previous surgeries and needs additional surgery to correct it.
What: If left untreated, the condition can result in complications such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, bleeding, scarring of the esophagus, erosion of the teeth and continued dumping syndrome. Surgery will involve removing Alyssa Sullivan’s pylorus (a muscular valve between the stomach and small intestine) and conducting a full stomach bypass.
Why: Although the surgery is medically necessary, Sullivan’s insurance will not cover it, and she has not succeeded in appealing the decision. Donations from the public will help cover her medical expenses related to the surgery, including the hospital stay, physician costs and post-op treatments.
How: The family has set up a GoFundMe page, “Medical Assistance for Aly’s Surgery,” and welcomes any donations, letters of support or even just well wishes.
In his own words: “Any donation, or just kind words of support, can help Aly get back to a healthy lifestyle. Her challenge is minimal compared to so many out there but still affects her everyday life. … It is my hope that (the) kindness of strangers will help put her back on the path to healthy living. Thank you so much for your generosity.” — Jason Sullivan, husband
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest
