On June 16th, Jennalee Dahlen, a devoted single mother of three and a beloved wellness provider in Santa Cruz, California, boarded a flight to Costa Rica to chaperone her daughter’s 7th-grade school trip. It was meant to be a week of adventure, bonding, and beautiful memories.

But just two days into the trip, Jennalee woke up with a 103° fever that wouldn’t break, even after taking both Tylenol and Advil. Fearing pneumonia or infection, she went to a local clinic where they discovered her fever had dangerously spiked to 105.8°F. She was rushed by ambulance nearly three hours to a hospital in San José. What began as a precaution quickly became a full-blown medical emergency. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was admitted to a high-monitoring unit with cardiac observation. Doctors suspected everything from influenza and pneumonia to dengue fever or even a hematologic disorder.

Over the course of four grueling days, Jennalee endured a battery of tests including EKGs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and extensive daily bloodwork. She was treated with multiple IV infusions for hydration, fever reduction (after oral meds failed), anti-nausea, pain management, iron, folic acid, B-12, and respiratory therapy several times a day to prevent pneumonia from progressing. Her iron levels were critically low, and despite these interventions, her white blood cells and platelets dropped dangerously each day. Blood tests revealed she was producing less than 1% of red blood cells per day, a deeply concerning sign that her body’s ability to recover was severely compromised, with potential autoimmune or bone marrow issues at play.

Even in the midst of this health crisis, Jennalee remained grounded in her natural optimism. It’s the same strength and care she pours into her children, her clients, and her community. But the experience took an emotional toll. Being hospitalized in a foreign country and separated from her daughter Marley, who missed her deeply, was incredibly difficult. For someone who’s always been the one caring for others, it was a humbling and emotionally heavy moment to be the one in need of support.

Though she is now stable enough to return home with her daughter, Marley, her journey is far from over. Upon arriving back in California, Jennalee must immediately begin follow-up care with both a hematologist and her gastroenterologist to get to the root of what caused her immune system to crash and prevent it from happening again.

And this is just one part of her story.

We’re raising $95,000 to help Jennalee heal, covering emergency medical care she received abroad and urgent home repairs. Every bit of support helps ease the weight she’s carrying as a single mother, small business owner, and caregiver who’s always shown up for others.

Just weeks before her trip, Jennalee made a purposeful and courageous decision to close her downtown retail wellness shop in order to realign with her long-term vision and focus her energy on growing her core business, Yōso Wellness Spa. Around the same time, her home experienced substantial water damage, flooding into a full bathroom, parts of the living space, and through the ceiling of her downstairs area. Walls had to be opened, drywall removed, and repairs are still underway, with insurance only covering a portion of the costs.

Jennalee has always been a caregiver, a healer, and a source of strength for her community. She’s the first to offer a helping hand and now, she needs ours.

How You Can Help:

We’re raising $95,000 to support Jennalee’s recovery and stability:

Emergency hospitalizations abroad often require upfront cash payments and are rarely reimbursed by U.S. insurance. Jennalee had to pay $12,500 just to be admitted and seen by the doctor, and this doesn’t include ambulance transport, clinic fees, hospital stay, or extensive diagnostics and treatment.

Every bit helps. Whether you’re able to donate, share, or send a message of support, it means the world. Your generosity will help Jennalee heal, rebuild, and return to the work she loves, supporting others in their own wellness journeys.

Thank you for being part of her support circle.

With deep gratitude,

Jennalee’s Family