Jenn's Tribe: Rallying for Jenn & Kids

Jenn has gone through a multitude of changes in less than one year. Going from a married, gardening mother of five to a disabled, single mother.   2020 was riddled with more than just COVID. Jenn faced malpractice from May of 2020 to August of 2020 and nearly died.   After trying to find care in her own State of Georgia, she ended up having to pay out of pocket for nearly six weeks of medical care in the State of Florida.   Instead of being supported and loved upon her return home to her dear family: husband of seven years and their four children, she was faced with yet another life altering occurrence.   Seven days prior to her discharge date in Florida, her husband of seven years told her on September 30, 2020 that “he wasn’t healthy enough for her to return home” and that “he wanted a divorce” and he “hit his limit”. Since all Jenn’s financial means had done to medical care, she was then faced with following professional guidance on what to do next, while still ensuring she was healing physically. She immediately spoke with a professional the next morning, October 1, 2020. She spent two days calling every law office in her area. The only way she could be represented was to pay a $10k retainer. This only added to her debt occurred during medical care. With no income coming in, she had to rely on credit cards.   She returned home to her husband and children on October 7, 2020. She was served with a divorce on October 15, 2020. Jenn is a well-loved, wonderful and active mother to her 4 precious, energetic and amazing kids. They are her world and she recently finalized her divorce.   What should have been a time to reflect on getting back on her feet and reaching for the dreams she had put on hold to instead help support her now ex-husband, has turned into a time where her life has been completely up-ended.   Things started around October 9th - it felt like muscle spasms in her left leg.   While waiting for an appointment with the PCP, her left leg started giving out causing her to fall on many occasions and hit her head.   By November, her left foot was a “drop foot”, she was referred to a Neurologist and had to wear knee high boots to support her leg.   This helped prevent some falls; yet, a scraped knee from collapsing was the daily norm.   As each day passed, her left “drop foot” got worse then, her left leg went completely numb from her knee down.   While she still managed to walk, it was extremely painful and she was forced to over-compensate using her right-side to try and make-up for the weakness on the left side.   The Neurologist was unsure of what to do and was very concerned with the way things progressed - and the chance that this could become permanent.   He referred to have a Nerve Conductivity test, but the appointment for that wasn’t until March of 2021!   In the meantime, he referred her to have physical therapy - but shortly after the very first appointment, her Neurologist calls her personally from the hospital informing her that she needed to come immediately and be inpatient.   On December 2nd, she went to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and was there for eight grueling days of tests, unbearable pain and doctors.   She underwent a MRI, one with contrast and one without. This showed there was a bulging disc on L5 and another issue with S1.   The NeuroSurgeon told her she would need surgery to address this; BUT this wasn’t the cause of her leg and foot trouble.   She remained in the “Clinical Decision Unit” for a little more than 5 days.   On December 6, 2020 she had back surgery as there were no other options and every specialty was consulted. Her Neurologist remained optimistic that the surgery COULD help her left foot and left leg.   With all her savings gone from last year’s medical care, retainer for her divorce and then, being deemed permanently disabled the first week of January.   Unable to work, she’s currently on medical leave from teaching. She continues to have unbearable pain on a daily basis.   She’s applied for SSI and SSDI; yet, these take 90-120 days.   She does receive money from her divorce settlement; yet, this covers only the rent.   With no income coming in, Jenn would really appreciate any help that can be provided.   Please, we as her Tribe (her chosen family and friends) are here for her with our love and support.   Yet, she and her children do have an outstanding financial need.   Just as a guesstimate, with expenses as they are (due to the very limited housing options for her to move in the timing of the divorce) and savings gone she will need at minimum $5,000 to $17,000 by June 2021.   Much of this is due to medical costs, repairs to her home to make it handicap accessible, HOA requirements she must meet to remain in her home and bare minimum expenses and bare minimum bills for living.   She has called every charity in her county and provided by local referrals; yet, there isn’t any funding to assist her at this time.   She was able to get a childcare scholarship, as of January 11, 2020. This will reduce her cost drastically and allow for Lincoln to stay at his Preschool until he graduates in May of 2021.   She is a survivor and not a victim. She has overcome an unfathomable amount of health conditions from cancer to Postpartum depression to stillbirth of Nolan in 2018 to 2020’s medical avalanche....   She will continue to working on accepting her new reality and move forward as an example to her children.   At this point, she has been confined to a wheelchair and is in desperate need of help!   Financially, this has taken a terrible toll. Anything that anyone is able to donate is greatly appreciated.   Along with paying the bills, she needs to find ways to make her home wheelchair friendly. She wants to get back to being the active mother she has always been.   Jenn has been there for so many friends - really for anyone she has encountered - in any way she was able to. Whether as a shoulder to lean on or a dependable friend to turn to when you just need someone to talk to... she has been there for me and countless others.   She has given of herself to others, including pumping for 12.5 months after her son’s death in November of 2018.   She’s volunteered with GetPumped! in Orlando, FL and was a very active professional with the Florida Lactation Consultant Association from 2005-2018.   She’s donated her time and skills to family, friends and neighbors.   It’s time for us to all come together and be here for her, and the kids, during a time when she needs it most!   If you are able to donate, please know that EVERY little bit counts.   If you aren't able to donate, please share this with friends, family, etc.   Please continue to keep Jenn & the kids in your thoughts and/or prayers. Positive vibes and encouraging messages are always welcome!