If you know Jess Groh, you know how much heart she brings to everything she does.
Jess is the kind of friend, family member and athlete who shows up, shows out, and lifts everyone around her. A person of many interests, Jess is a gifted volleyball player, a fierce competitor, and the kind of friend and teammate who builds lifelong connections everywhere she goes.
From her years playing for UW – Eau Claire and the nearly two decades since of competing and connecting with everyone in the volleyball community, Jess has built an incredible network of teammates, competitors, and friends who know her strength, humor, and heart.
Now Jess is facing the toughest fight of her life… and could use your help.
Since January, she had been in and out of the ER in Eau Claire with frightening and rapidly progressing neurological symptoms. On March 24, she was transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where doctors discovered several potentially life-threatening conditions…
…including thyroid cancer, fungal meningitis, and two strokes.
The meningitis has proven especially dangerous, causing loss of motor function and other severe neurological complications that landed Jess in the ICU.
Since then, Jess has continued fighting forward with incredible resilience. She has now begun the long rehabilitation and recovery process, working each day to regain strength and independence while continuing treatment for these serious illnesses.
But the road ahead remains long and uncertain.
Jess continues to require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term medication as doctors work to control the meningitis infection and address her cancer diagnosis. It is still unknown when — or in what capacity — she may be able to return to work.
At the same time, Jess’s family has been carrying an enormous emotional and financial burden.
Her parents have been traveling between Eau Claire and Rochester multiple times each week, facing mounting expenses for gas, hotels, meals, transition care, and ongoing medical costs — many of which are only partially covered by insurance.
And as if this journey were not already enough, the family is also navigating additional serious health concerns, adding further emotional and financial strain.
To the friends, family and volleyball community that has been such a huge part of Jess’s life: thank you. The outpouring of love and support has meant more than words can express. From messages and prayers to cards, flowers, gifts, and even stuffed cats for a proud cat momma, every gesture has lifted Jess and her family during some of their hardest days.
Right now, the Groh family needs their community more than ever.
If Jess has ever cheered you on, competed beside you, made you laugh, or kicked your butt on the court, we’re asking you to rally around her now.
Every donation — no matter the amount — will help support:
- Ongoing medical and rehabilitation expenses,
- Transportation and lodging costs,
- Medications and transition care,
- Loss of income,
- And the many unexpected expenses that come with a medical crisis of this magnitude.
Jess has spent years showing up for others through friendship, encouragement, and community. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.
We believe her fight is far from over — and we hope one day to see her back on the volleyball court doing what she loves.
If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Jess and her family in your prayers. There may also be other opportunities to show support on her CaringBridge page.
Thank you for supporting Jess and the Groh family during this incredibly difficult time.