Our cousin Jane’s story is one of unimaginable loss and incredible strength. This summer she endured a terrifying medical emergency that nearly took her life. Our goal is to help Jane rebuild her strength, restore her mobility and independence, and raise awareness about a rare but severe infection, often called “the silent killer,” so no other family must face the same heartbreak.

This past August, Jane was feeling unwell and thought she was experiencing a flare up of her TMJ condition which causes severe jaw pain. When it progressed to neck swelling, and vomiting, she went to the ER to be assessed. While there, her condition rapidly worsened: fever, seizures, and organ failure followed. Doctors discovered she had a Group A strep infection that had progressed to Septic Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but very severe infection. Jane spent 8 days in the Intensive Care Unit receiving life-sustaining care. When stabilized, she faced devastating news, due to extensive tissue damage, she would need surgery to amputate both hands at the wrists and both legs below the knees.

Recently divorced, Jane has found herself facing this life-altering journey without a partner—but not without love. Her family, spread across Canada, has rallied around her, offering care, presence, and unwavering support from her bedside. Jane has always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure—hiking, rollerblading, even paddleboarding—and her energy and warmth have always brought people together (see photo collage). That same spirit is fueling her recovery, as she begins to adapt to a new reality with courage, resilience, and the deep strength that has always defined her.

Jane has recently transferred from the acute hospital facility to a complex physical rehabilitation facility in Edmonton, where she has begun the long road to recovery. As she moves forward, Jane will need extensive rehabilitation, adaptive and mobility devices, advanced technology to support daily living, physical and mental health therapy, and prosthetics to help her live as independently as possible. While some basic costs are subsidized, the overall expenses she faces far exceed her life savings. Every donation helps provide Jane to access the tools, care, and hope she deserves as she works to rebuild her life and restore her independence.

Jane’s strength and positivity remind us all what it means to be truly courageous. We want to give her every chance to keep fighting and to know she is not doing it alone.

Jane’s mother, Nancy, is acting as the official beneficiary for this fundraiser and will release funds as needed for Jane’s recovery and rehabilitation expenses.

Thank you for helping Jane take her next steps toward healing, independence, and hope.

Recent publications and news stories about Group A streptrococcus:

Toxic shock syndrome secondary to Group A Streptoc occus infection: A case report - PMC

Cases of invasive group A strep are rising across

the country. Here's what you need to know | CBC News