Jessica Riggs, a 32-year-old woman from Saltash, Cornwall, UK, has created an inspiring and bold fundraising calendar, inspired by the movie Calendar Girls. With the support of 16 friends, she posed nude to raise an amazing £25,000 (about $32,000 or ₹27.15 lakh) for life-saving surgery needed to treat a rare disease that could leave her paralyzed.
A Rare Condition and Urgent Need for Help
Jessica is dealing with a rare problem called Neuro-Cranio-Vertebral Syndrome-Filum. This means that certain tissues around her spinal cord are too tight and could cause serious issues if not treated. To get the surgery she needs, which isn’t available on the NHS, she will travel to a special clinic in Barcelona on January 16, 2025. “My disease is hidden. If you met me, you’d think there was nothing wrong. It’s so important to advocate for yourself—you know your body better than anyone,” Jessica explained.
From Symptoms to Challenges
Jessica first noticed something was wrong when she was just 22. She turned to the NHS for help, but doctors couldn’t find the reason for her problems. As time went on, her condition got worse, and she had to leave her job as a marine biologist and polar expedition guide.
The clinic in Barcelona offers a unique surgery that, while not a cure, will help her live a better life and stop more symptoms from developing.
Empowering Women with the Calendar
The idea for the calendar started when a friend noticed Jessica’s love for nature and skinny-dipping. “My friend said, ‘Jess, we love being naked.’ This calendar is about empowering women and making them feel liberated,” Jessica shared.
As her calendar campaign gains momentum, Jessica is grateful for the amazing support she has received. Her story not only shines a light on her personal fight but also shows the strength and creativity of people facing rare health challenges.
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