The Healing Power of Nature

In 2014, Jesse was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.

“I noticed my muscles were becoming weak and I wasn’t feeling as strong. My strength level suddenly plateaued,” Jesse says.

Over time his symptoms worsened, leading to hospitalization followed by a difficult recovery. Meeting Jesse today, there is no sign of the man who five years ago had to relearn how to walk, eat, and swallow.

If you’re looking for Jesse, you can probably find him outside. Nature is healing for Jesse. When he first got sick, Jesse spent most days indoors because he was nervous about being away from home and his medication. Jesse says the first opportunity he got to go outside felt like being reborn. Jesse hunts, fishes, camps, and spends most of his time “tinkering in the garage.”

“Fixing something that was broken kind of represented how I felt because I was broken and then trying to fix myself,” Jesse says. “So, if I could fix something and make it work again, I felt like I achieved something, even if I couldn’t fix myself.”

Jesse also loves grilling.

“I love grilling and smoking meats, so that’s my therapy,” Jesse says. “A labor of love I call it because sometimes it’s a 12-hour cook. It takes patience and some love. But the end product is worth it.”

When Jesse received a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, a friend told him about The Assistance Fund. After calling TAF and speaking with a Patient Advocate, Jesse instantly felt calmer knowing that TAF could help him get the financial assistance he needed.

With TAF’s support for his out-of-pocket medical expenses, Jesse has been able to stay active and spend time enjoying his favorite things — hunting, fishing, working in the garage, playing with his dog, and enjoying time with friends and family. Jesse believes that while everyone may experience obstacles and challenges in life, how you face them is what defines you.

“If I had given up, I would have never gotten to this point,” Jesse says. “It feels like such a long road and like it’ll never get better, but even if it doesn’t get better to the point where you are the person you were before, if you can make even a 1% improvement then that’s worth it.”

Jesse considers himself lucky to have such a strong support system of family and friends. He says that you find out who your real friends are during times of need, especially when you don’t know what turn life will take.

“Surround yourself with strong people,” he says. “The people I call long-haul friends, who will be there not just when you’re good but when you can’t do anything at all.”

This loyalty is something Jesse gives back to those around him.

“You can always count on me,” Jesse says. “As long as you stick with me, you’ve got a friend for life.”