On Friday, May 5, a simple walk turned into a life-altering moment for our beloved mom, Sharon. As she crossed an intersection on her way home, a turning car struck her, shattering our family's world.

At St. Joseph’s Hospital, her injuries were revealed: a broken neck, a fractured back and leg, multiple broken ribs and a brain bleed. A hard cervical collar protected her neck for 12 weeks and her leg was non-weight-bearing for the same duration.

After a week in the ICU and four days in a step-down unit, Sharon began her rehab journey at Kessler. However, due to complications, she had to be hospitalized again, and throughout her 80-day stay at Cooperman Barnabas in Livingston, infections, sepsis, and COVID posed relentless challenges. Before our mom's accident, we knew she would need a kidney transplant due to a hereditary disease, but the accident expedited the need for a transplant and she had to start dialysis three days a week. As Sharon continues to recover, she will soon again be on the UNOS list waiting for a kidney donation.

We are nearly five months out from her accident and although her brain and bones have healed, Sharon still relies on assistance for daily tasks and remains unable to walk independently. We have become her primary caregivers, supported by dedicated and loving aides for 16 hours each day. We've also engaged physical and occupational therapists, all the while unable to work ourselves due to the demanding role of caretaking.

Sharon's essence radiates warmth and love. An amazing mother, marathon runner, golfer, and business owner, she has dedicated five decades to helping others. Beginning as a social worker and running a suicide hotline, she evolved into a visionary President and CEO of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Her contributions extended to Executive Coaching, training, and support for countless individuals, startups and corporations. Sharon's impact has also transcended work, from coaching GRAA soccer, to being a member of the Glen Ridge Board of Education and Library Board, as well as dedicating herself to community initiatives.

To know Sharon is to love her and now, it's our turn to support her. Constant infections have marred progress, and while her resilience is steadfast, financial burdens have accumulated. Your contributions will directly help with medical expenses, therapy sessions, aides, and necessary home modifications. We want to make sure our mom can focus on healing and we can continue to make sure that she receives the best care possible.

The world awaits you, mom, and we can't wait to have you back to 100%!

Love,

Kate and Max

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not reach out to Sharon directly and instead please contact Kate or Max via the information below. We will ensure that Sharon receives all messages and knows who is reaching out to her but an influx of calls and emails will be too overwhelming for her at this time.