Support Our Beloved Veterinarian, Friend, Sister, Daughter, Granddaughter, and Aunt, Jessica Coote, in Her Journey to Recovery

Dear friends, family, and compassionate individuals,

We are reaching out to rally around a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to caring for animals, and now finds herself in need of our support. Our esteemed colleague and dear friend Jessica, is facing an uphill battle against medical setbacks that have significantly impacted her livelihood, health and well-being.

For those who know Jessica, you are well aware of her unwavering commitment and compassion to both animals and people.  She fostered her human animal bond from an early age and grew up riding and training horses competitively, which cultivated an interest in veterinary medicine.  She graduated from veterinary school in 2015, got a masters in public health, and worked in public service as a veterinary medical officer for the United States Department of Agriculture. Continuing in her selfless endeavors, she became a veterinarian for the Pasadena Humane Society, San Bernardino Humane Society, ASPCA, and a non-profit project called SnpLA (now CAMP). 

We met at The Pasadena Humane Society, where she honed her surgical skills.  She performed upwards of 30-35 spay, neuter and other surgeries daily and eventually oversaw the entire veterinary medical department during a tumultuous time at the shelter.  She has touched countless lives, both animal and human, with her exceptional skills, boundless compassion, and relentless dedication.  However, since 2018, she has faced a series of health challenges that have limited her ability to continue practicing her life's passion.  First, she was diagnosed with a cervical disc rupture into the spinal canal, which caused immense pain, mild spinal cord compression, and restricted her mobility.  Then, after performing a long complex surgery, she suffered another back injury in the form of a lumbar spinal cord compression and cauda equina syndrome. This injury caused her the most restriction and completely inhibited her ability to work. While working through recovery, fate dealt another blow in the form of fibromyalgia. These conditions have not only caused her extreme physical suffering but have also taken a significant toll on her career, and her emotional and financial well-being. The surgical and medical treatments, ongoing therapy, medications and specialized care come at an extreme cost.  Despite utilizing her savings and family support, the financial burden has become overwhelming and extremely stressful.  The continued costs are threatening her ability to access the critical care she needs to regain her health and quality of life.

This is why we are reaching out to you for assistance. We are launching a fundraising campaign to raise $20,000, which will go directly towards continued medical care and treatment. Your generous contribution of any amount, will enable her to access the necessary medical interventions, therapies, and ongoing care that will pave a path towards an opportunity for further recovery. 

Jessica has given so much of herself to the well-being of animals and has been an invaluable asset to our community. Now, it's our turn to extend a helping hand and give back to someone who has touched the lives of countless creatures and their grateful owners. Together, we can make a profound difference in her life and provide her with the support she desperately needs during this challenging time.

Here's how you can contribute and become a part of this incredible journey:

• Share the campaign on your social media platforms, with family, friends, and colleagues who may be willing to contribute or spread the word.
• Your moral support, kind words, and encouragement mean the world to Jessica, as this has been a tough transition for her. Please leave a heartfelt message on the fundraising page or reach out personally to show your support. 

Every single donation, no matter how small, makes a difference and brings us closer to our goal. By coming together, we can provide a lifeline to our beloved Jessica, ensuring she receives the necessary treatments and support to overcome these challenges and reclaim her life.

Let's join together to support a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to the well-being of animals, and now needs our help. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and for joining us on this transformative journey.

With deep gratitude,

Margaret Lee, DVM - friend and colleague of Jessica