Hi everyone! My name is Jayne, and I’m asking for help after an accident that changed my life in an instant. I’ve lived with epilepsy for most of my life. It’s something I manage every day, but I’ve always fought hard to stay independent and build a normal life for myself.
A few months ago, while I was making breakfast, I had a seizure. In that moment, I lost consciousness and collapsed, apparently chin forward into the pan that was still lit, resulting in severe third-degree burns to my face. It’s hard to put into words what that was like—waking up terrified and not knowing what my face would look like or whether I would ever feel and look like myself again. I went from hospital to hospital before finally reaching Cornell’s burn unit. The doctors told me I healed miraculously well, and how lucky I am to still have movement and function in my face. But functional healing on the outside isn’t the whole story. Every time I look in the mirror, I’m reminded. It’s affected my confidence, my comfort in public, and my sense of safety in my own body. The trauma from the accident has stayed with me.
Now I need reconstructive surgeries and medical procedures as the next step in my recovery. This is all extremely expensive—yet it isn’t covered by insurance, not being deemed “necessary.” But these procedures aren’t about vanity. It’s about being able to walk outside without wanting to hide my chin with my hand. It’s about getting back to a life that feels normal.
If you’re able to help, your support will go directly toward covering the medical procedures. Any contribution would mean the world to me. And if you can’t give, sharing this fundraiser would also be a huge help. Thank you for reading and for being here! I could not have gotten through those first terrifying days in the hospital without the love and encouragement of my family and friends. I’m so grateful for every act of kindness and support as I work toward healing.
A few months ago, while I was making breakfast, I had a seizure. In that moment, I lost consciousness and collapsed, apparently chin forward into the pan that was still lit, resulting in severe third-degree burns to my face. It’s hard to put into words what that was like—waking up terrified and not knowing what my face would look like or whether I would ever feel and look like myself again. I went from hospital to hospital before finally reaching Cornell’s burn unit. The doctors told me I healed miraculously well, and how lucky I am to still have movement and function in my face. But functional healing on the outside isn’t the whole story. Every time I look in the mirror, I’m reminded. It’s affected my confidence, my comfort in public, and my sense of safety in my own body. The trauma from the accident has stayed with me.
Now I need reconstructive surgeries and medical procedures as the next step in my recovery. This is all extremely expensive—yet it isn’t covered by insurance, not being deemed “necessary.” But these procedures aren’t about vanity. It’s about being able to walk outside without wanting to hide my chin with my hand. It’s about getting back to a life that feels normal.
If you’re able to help, your support will go directly toward covering the medical procedures. Any contribution would mean the world to me. And if you can’t give, sharing this fundraiser would also be a huge help. Thank you for reading and for being here! I could not have gotten through those first terrifying days in the hospital without the love and encouragement of my family and friends. I’m so grateful for every act of kindness and support as I work toward healing.