Jaxen’s Journey

We’d like to take a brief moment to introduce ourselves. My name is Crystal and together with my sister Geanette, we have created this page to help support Jodi Vanderlaan through this nightmare she has found herself in. Like to many of you, Jodi is a very dear friend of ours and over the years, her and her family have become an extension of our own. It would mean the world to us all if you would be able to take a moment to read, share, and give, if you are able.

On July 26th, 2022 Jodi received a call that no parent should ever have to receive. Her 16 year old son Jaxen Shorhen was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident just south of Red Deer, AB. Due to the extent and severity of Jaxen’s injuries, he was flown by STARS air ambulance to the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary where he remains. In less than 24 hours Jaxen has undergone multiple CT and MRI scans, which has proven the extent of his injuries. Jaxen has a broken femur, a lacerated liver, a shattered pelvis, a ruptured spleen and several cuts and bruises. Most concerning, the imaging has detected multiple brain hemorrhages on Jaxen’s brain stem as well as a larger bleed on the right frontal lobe. Jaxen has already underwent one surgery to repair his spleen and is currently in the OR where doctors are placing metal rods to repair his femur and pelvis. Although it is too soon to know a complete prognosis, one thing is for certain…this Strathmore family has begun a journey that most of us cannot even fathom.

If you’ve found yourself on this page, then we all have one thing in common. Whether Jodi is your friend, acquaintance, coworker, a fellow hockey and soccer mom or someone you’ve only had a brief encounter with, we can all agree that she is undeniably selfless and always makes sure that the people in her life are taken care of far before she concerns herself with her own needs. Although the journey ahead is uncertain, it will be a long road to healing and life’s expenses has no mercy in times like this. We are hoping that with your help, we are able to surround Jodi with all the love and support she needs in this time in hopes to alleviate some of the financial concerns, which will undoubtedly arise throughout this journey.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and let’s show Jodi and the kids our support during this incredibly difficult time. Please share as we know the amount of people that this family has touched is far beyond our reach alone.

100% of the money raised will go directly to Jodi to help take care of everyday expenses so her focus can be on Jaxen’s recovery.