Please Support Jennifer's Recovery after a Severe Burn Accident

On the morning of February 27, Jennifer’s life changed in an instant. Before heading out to visit her parents, Jen was preparing breakfast when the handle of a pot of boiling water caught on her shirt, spilling onto her lower body, legs, and feet causing severe burns. What began as a typical morning quickly turned into a medical emergency and the start of a long and difficult road to recovery.

Jennifer was admitted to the Miami Burn Hospital, where doctors immediately performed two surgeries to treat her injuries. She is now continuing her recovery at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, where she is undergoing intensive physical therapy. Jennifer is not yet able to walk independently, and her recovery will require months of outpatient therapy and in-home assistance.

Independent as the day is long, Jen has worked as a server at Sea Watch in Fort Lauderdale for nearly 28 years, dedicating years of hard work and energy to the restaurant community. Anyone who has worked in this industry knows how physically demanding it is. Long shifts require constant movement, running, and standing throughout the day.

Because of the severity of her burns and the surgeries she has undergone, Jennifer will be unable to work while she focuses on healing and rehab. And while she does have insurance, a significant portion of the medical care she needs will not be covered, leaving her to face mounting medical bills and the loss of income during what is normally the busiest and highest income producing time of year for Florida restaurants.

Jennifer has always worked incredibly hard for everything she has with determination, independence, and resilience. She is also the person who always shows up for others without hesitation, lending a hand whenever someone needs support and never asking for anything in return.

Now she is facing something she cannot overcome alone.

Your generosity will help Jennifer with:

• Medical bills and surgical care

• Burn rehabilitation and physical therapy

• Living expenses while she is unable to work

• Ongoing treatment and recovery needs

More than anything, we want Jennifer to focus on healing without the overwhelming stress of how she will manage financially during this time. Jen is someone who would push herself to return to work long before her body is ready, simply because she never wants to fall behind. Our hope is that by coming together as friends, family, coworkers, and community, we can give her the time she truly needs to recover.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution makes a difference.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing Jennifer’s story or organizing a small fundraiser in your community. Some ideas include:

• A donation-based sound healing or yoga class

• A community dinner or gathering

• Restaurant or hospitality community fundraisers

Jennifer has spent her life showing up for others.

Now it is our turn to show up for her.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and prayers as Jennifer works toward healing and returning to the vibrant life she loves.

With gratitude,

Jennifer’s Family & Friends