Pray for Keely Jochym Briggs, suffering ulcerative colitis (Updated 5/6/22 - recent flare-up)

Young Keely Jochym Briggs, daughter of Bill Jochym and mother of two-year-old Jack, has long suffered from debilitating ulcerative colitis and frequent infections, with a weakened immune system. Keely's ulcerative colitis is a painful, chronic condition that requires her to maintain a highly restricted diet to limit her painful symptoms. The medications Keely has to take weaken her immune system. She was recently hospitalized in Atlanta with a severely painful bout of ulcerative colitis and a C-diff infection and experienced high fevers and anxiety. 

Update 5/6/22:  Keely has been very sick lately and was hospitalized this week to undergo two procedures. Following the procedures, she has had inflammation and bleeding. Keely remains in good spirits and hopeful that she will get through this flare-up soon. She sends her gratitude to the Basilica parish family for your care and concern while she was living in Chattanooga. 

Update 11/18/21: Keely has moved back to Atlanta so that both parents can be with their son, Jack. She continues to pursue treatment options for her ulcerative colitis. Keelywants to express her appreciation to the Basilica parish family and the Catholic Motherhood group for embracing her and making her feel welcomed when she moved back to Chattanooga. Please continue to pray for healing for Keely and for her son.

Update 9/8/21: Keely was able to return home and be with her family. She is working with her doctors on a solution to bring her closer to remission from her ulcerative colitis.
 

Keely's Brief Move Home to Chattanooga (through 2021)

Keely had been living in Atlanta with her husband and son Jack until 2020, when she went through divorce. At that time she returned to live with her family of origin in Chattanooga, and her Basilica home parish, where she has enjoyed a loving support system. Her father Bill Jochym is an usher at the 5:30 Mass, and her sister Karmel and their young family are also active at the Basilica. 







 

COVID-19 and Complications

In February 2021, Keely was hit with COVID-19, followed by both viral and bacterial pneumonia, and ended up spending a total of nine weeks in the hospital without being able to see her son. By the end of May, after working very hard through lung therapy, she was finally doing well enough to be back home with her son. She had enjoyed a bit of peace and freedom with improved health over the summer.

Keely's father, Bill, prayed the Rosary with her at Memorial Hospital when she was so sick with COVID that she could only lift her head that high. It was during a time following her quarantine, and when visitors were still allowed.



Prayer to St. Padre Pio for the Sick and Infirm



Keely's two-year-old son Jack lives part of the time with Keely in Chattanooga, and part of the time with his father in Atlanta. Keely has greatly missed her son during the times she has been too sick to see him in person. Knowing he needs her has kept her fighting to get better even when she is worn out and discouraged from sickness.

Support from the Parish

Keely and her family feel great comfort knowing the prayers of the Basilica family. Keely attributes her survival to the intercessory prayers on her behalf. 

You can send Keely a word of encouragement by email at [email protected]




Keely and her sister Karmel with their dad




K eely lives with her mother, Susan Jochym, who currently attends St. Stephen's and was a long-time active member of St. Jude. Susan and Keely taught CCD at Jude together for four years.

Here Susan is pictured with Keely's nieces Lucy and Isabella.
 


Keely misses being able to attend Mass and enjoy parish life, but she is grateful for her connection with the Basilica family especially through the Catholic Motherhood group who have prayerfully supported her through the health trials of this past year. She longs to connect with the Basilica friends in person once her health permits.