TJ went to high school with Jennifer.  He saw her Facebook post earlier this week, just simply letting her friends know how she has been feeling lately...

Anyone who knows TJ, knows that when he is in his paint booth, which he has been in there a lot lately, that's when God talks to him the most.  God told him to reach out to her.  He reached out to Jennifer via Messenger to see if she was ok after reading her post. 

Well, like most, we don't like to ask for help when needed... she confided in him, even after not seeing each other since High School, that she needs help.  She has been Protecting and Serving with the  Hammond Police Department for 20 years... TJ comes to me and his first words were, "I've been in the paint booth....  Do Not Kill Me"....  LOL  He wants to give back by putting together this account for her to see if we can come together and help her with medical bills and every day bills since she is out of work due to her back and neck issues.  

This is her story, in her own words...

In December of 2020 while decorating my Christmas tree, I did something crazy... I got up off the floor too fast. I heard a loud pop.  It felt like it travelled from the top of my neck to my tailbone.  In the following days I had the feeling of being “out of alignment”.  I’m hard headed to decided to brave through the pain. It’ll go away right?  

Well... it didn’t.  As a matter of fact, it would get much, much worse over the course of the next few weeks. 

I’d never been to a chiropractor before.  I was as nervous, and didn’t want to become one of those people who rely on a “fix” every week. 

January 21st at 9am I had my first Chiropractic appointment.  Long story short... the results of the X-Ray left me in tears (in full uniform) as the prospects of surgery flashed before me.  I left with orders to have an MRI done immediately.  Laying in the machine, surrounded by noise, all I can think is “back surgery” and the trials that entails. 

The following days were filled with uncertainty.  Every twinge amplified. 

I decided my results on Monday, January 25 (the day after my 42 birthday).  My L4, L5, and S1 area of my back has multiple disc protrusions and other issues that honestly, to a layman, don’t make much sense. 

That was my last day at work until, and if, I’m recovered. 

Since then I’ve had another MRI on my neck which also has damage.  I will know further details on surgery in that area soon. 

Since I’ve been out of work, I have been unable to work extra duty details and any overtime. 

Aflac has also determined that my condition is genetic and degenerative, so they will not cover me.  My case is currently in review. 

I do have insurance, but some things are not covered, and with a high deductible policy, it’s a few hundred dollars just to walk in the door at the doctors offices.

Each day the pain seems to get worse.  I have bouts of paralyzing stabbing pains followed by achy, burning sensations.  It’s a chore to sit up or even walk to another room.  I can’t wash my own hair anymore.  Pants are off limits, even baggy loose fitting types.  Anything around my waist is painful.  My days are spent in bed reading, playing Pokémon (I’m a grown up I promise) or watching TV. 

Some days are ok. 

Most days aren’t. 

After surgery my recovery is uncertain.  There’s no way to know now how long I may be home and recovering with physical therapy. 

I’m not used to asking for help. I’m usually the fixer... the one who does the helping. 

Thank you to everyone of you. 
Jennifer Payne