Jessa Ryan, 27, of Philadelphia suffered a brain aneurysm in November. Help Hope Lives, a Radnor-based nonprofit, is helping to raise funds to pay for her medical care needs.
Life can change in an instant. And most of the time, there is nothing you can do to prepare for it. There are just unexpected changes along the road of life, and you can only decide how to react.
For one Philadelphia woman understands that lesson all too well. In November 2024, Jessa Ryan, 27, of Philadelphia, experienced a sudden brain aneurysm. This incident typically claims the life of 90 percent of those who experience it. However, Ryan was one of the lucky ten percent, able to live on despite paralysis and the inability to speak.
Since her tragic event, the middle school personal care assistant, and big-time Eagles fan, has been saddled with costly medical care and emergency bills, stemming from her treatments.
With the help of one Radnor-based nonprofit, Help Hope Live, the Ryan family may have a chance of financially recovering with the resilience and strength Jessa has given them. The community heard of the Ryans’ need and responded with great care.
Thus far, the community has raised over $16,400 in just four months to help with uncovered medical costs. Still, the weight of these expenses is much to overcome.
Jessa’s friend Laura Konstance said that she was “living life to the fullest,” prior to her shocking medical crisis.
“She continues to fight hard and amazes us every day with her spirit,” wrote Konstance on the Help Hope Live fundraising page for Jessa.
A PCA at Robert K. Shafer Middle School, in Bensalem, Konstance said she took her role very seriously.
“She is so loved that all the students want to be under her care,” explained her friend. “[She is] the sunshine of her family’s life.”
The grade-five brain aneurysm that Ryan experienced in November later led to a stroke and cardiac arrest. Her parents were with her when the emergency occurred, and their quick response and life-saving actions from medical responders helped her to beat the odds, according to a release from Help Hope Live.
Ryan was rushed to Philadelphia’s Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in November, then life-flighted to the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Center City. Countless complications led to surgeries, medical interventions, and “an excruciating emotional roller coaster for her family,” described the Help Hope Live release.
“Jessa’s amazing strength even surprised her care team,” said Konstance. “Jessa is so strong and determined.”
Following two months on a ventilator, Ryan began her rehabilitation journey, which continues to cost the family financial means beyond their earnings. Still unable to use her voice, Jessa continues to fight for medical stability as she and her family face a new life with paralysis.
Realizing her family was taking on countless expenses that insurance wouldn’t fully cover, her community turned to the nonprofit Help Hope Live.
Help Hope Live is a Radnor, PA-based national nonprofit that helps thousands of individuals and families to fundraise for all the costs insurance doesn’t fully cover following a life-changing medical event.
After just four months, the campaign has raised over $16,400, toward the $50,000 goal, in Jessa’s honor.
“Funds raised will provide a critical bridge between what insurance covers and what Jessa and her family need to bring her home safely, including home modifications for accessibility and a wheelchair van,” said the Help Hope Live release.
Donations can be made online at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/25321/.
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, as it is a federally recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Additionally, all funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses.
“Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient,” said the release.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $188 million to pay patient expenses.
For more on the Help Hope Live operations, visit https://helphopelive.org/.
