Hello, my name is Brandy Henkes and I’m organizing this GoFundMe on behalf of my teammate and friend, Jahniece, who plays for The Kitchen Shoppe in the BCAS league.

On August 27th, what should have been a joyful final game of the season turned into a devastating moment none of us could have imagined.

Jah had already been called out at bat and was simply jogging back to the dugout. She wasn’t sprinting, diving, or making a play. She had no involvement in the play at all when the ball was thrown and struck her directly in the face, causing a severe jaw fracture, leaving her with carrying the full burden on her own.

At first, Jah did what so many strong people do—she tried to tough it out. She waited three days before going to urgent care, where doctors confirmed her jaw was completely broken.

From there, she was sent to the emergency room for more tests and scans.

On September 8th, her jaw was wired shut. The pain was excruciating, and even with strong medication, it became unbearable. On September 11th, she underwent surgery to remove the wires and have two plates and four screws installed in her jaw.

Although she was recently cleared to eat regular food again in November, her jaw still lacks normal range of motion. Physical therapy may now be required to restore proper movement and function.

On top of the physical pain, there’s the financial strain.

Jah is a single mother, and with the holidays approaching, the lost time at work has caught up to her. She’s been trying to keep up with medical bills, everyday household expenses, and caring for her child, all while healing from a traumatic injury.

We are setting a goal of $8,000 to help relieve some of this burden.

Your donations will go directly toward:

Medical bills from urgent care, ER visits, surgery, consistent follow-up care, and potential physical therapy costs for her jaw.

If you know Jah, you know she shows up—with a smile, with heart, and with the kind of energy that lifts everyone around her. She is the definition of an ideal teammate: her skill, her spirit, and her dedication make her truly one of a kind. Jah didn’t get hurt making a daring play; she was injured in a moment where she should have been safe, simply walking off the field. No one deserves what she has endured, especially someone who gives so much love and effort to her team and community.

How You Can Help

Donate if you’re able—no amount is too small.

Share this GoFundMe with friends, family, coworkers, and others in the softball community.

Keep Jah in your thoughts as she continues to heal physically and emotionally.

On behalf of Jah, her daughter, and our entire Kitchen Shoppe / BCAS softball family, thank you for your love, support, and generosity.