Build a Pathway Home for Kate: Support Her Stroke Recovery

In the middle of May 2026, Kate and her husband, Jesse, headed out for a full day of boating with their new puppy, Honey. What was meant to be a beautiful start to summer quickly turned into a nightmare. Without warning, Kate began showing signs of distress. She was having a stroke—later discovered to be on the right side of her brain.

At just 43 years old, this is tragically Kate’s second stroke. While she made a full recovery from her first in 2017, this time the road ahead is much steeper.

The Journey So Far

Thanks to Jesse’s quick instincts, paramedics were called immediately. Kate’s medical journey has been intensive, taking her from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Shands in Gainesville, and finally to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

After a grueling week in the ICU filled with endless tests, the reality of the situation set in. This stroke has left Kate paralyzed on her left side, impacting her speech and vision.

The Road to Independence

Kate is a fighter. At Brooks Rehab, she is currently undergoing intensive cognitive, occupational, and physical therapy, bravely relearning how to navigate everyday tasks without the use of her left side. While her youth gives her a better statistical chance at a strong recovery, the first year of therapy is the most critical. She will require extensive, ongoing outpatient care over the coming months.

Making Their Dream Home Accessible

As Kate works on healing, Jesse is focused on preparing their home for her return. They built their dream home on Lake Iamonia in 2020. However, because the house is built on stilts to protect against flooding, it is currently entirely inaccessible to Kate.

To bring Kate home safely, they need to install an outdoor elevator so she can come and go as needed. Between the astronomical cost of this vital modification, mounting medical bills, and unexpected time away from work, the financial burden has become daunting.

How You Can Help

Every single dollar raised goes directly toward Kate’s recovery and making her home accessible. Your support will allow Kate to focus entirely on what matters most: regaining her mobility, reclaiming her independence, returning to her career of teaching, and to the life she and Jesse are building together.

Thank you for your incredible kindness, prayers, and generosity during this challenging time.