Jennifer Baker Byrd's medical challenges

Jennifer Baker Byrd

Let me tell you about my mother, Jennifer. She is currently struggling with medical issues. At age 20, she developed Juvenile Diabetes, her pancreas shut down. Since then, she has been using insulin and glucose monitors to try to regulate her blood sugar.

She continued her education at ECU to become a science teacher. Some of the schools she worked at are Aurelian Springs Elementary School, Greenfield School, Jones Elementary School, and Envision Science Academy. In 2020, she became the Executive Director at Imagination Station Science and History Museum, a position she truly loved. She loved connecting with kids to spark their desire to learn science.

Her health continued to decline. In 2023, she resigned to focus on herself. However, since then she has been in the ICU several times. Currently, since April 8th, she has been hospitalized. Her muscle deterioration has caused her to be immobile. She was diagnosed with kidney disease and has been on dialysis. With a combination of diabetes, Sepsis, and liver issues, her treatment has been complicated. After she gets cleared to leave the hospital, she will be admitted into a rehabilitation center to regain her strength and mobility.

This situation has put a lot of stress on my dad who works multiple jobs and takes care of the house while I’m away at college. This is the best way that I know how to help. My mom is strong-willed and determined to get through this. Any help is greatly appreciated. She has a long way to go.