My name is Rebecca Fleming. I am a musician from the La Crosse area and a friend of Jess Morgan-Slettehaugh. In the past few months a long time friend in the music community, Jess, was hospitalized and needs our help. As many of you may know, three years ago Jess had her left leg amputated due to medical complications. In January 2026, she had a stroke in the right side of her brain. This affected the function of the left side of her body, she could not move her arm or fingers. A few days later she had another stroke that affected her right side and her ability to speak. She could not swallow and had to be put on a feeding tube. Tests also showed that she had some TIAs or smaller strokes at another time. Thankfully, this has not effected Jess cognitively, she is still the same music loving, caring friend we all know and love.

Jess is resilient and has been working very hard these last few months to relearn everything. She has fought hard everyday with the help of many wonderful therapists and medical staff at Emplify / Gundersen Hospital. Even on days when she is in pain from muscle spasms she is still pushing herself to the max and has made huge improvements. She can now eat puréed or soft foods. Her arms and right leg are getting stronger everyday. A huge hurdle has been finding ways that Jess can communicate her needs through this whole process. She was giving a whiteboard to write messages and recently graduated to using her phone to text as her dexterity increased in her right hand. This has been a huge help for Jess to express her needs, pain levels and appreciation as her voice is slowly coming back.

In a state wide search to find a safe place that will meet her needs, Jess was accepted at Clearview in Minocqua, WI. This is close to Jess’s family and they have been very supportive to her through this journey. Jess’s husband Troy, has been juggling work and being with Jess as much as he possibly can. Lately, he has even been able bring Jess’s dog Cinnamon to visit, which has been a highlight for Jess and Cinnamon. Troy lives and works in La Crosse, WI which is about a 7+ hour round trip to visit Jess.

Jess and Troy are known around Wisconsin and the surrounding states for their continued support in our music scene. They have been always willing to travel and show up for local, regional and national bands. Their continuous love and support for music does not go unnoticed. Even in a wheelchair, that has not stopped Jess from attending shows that are not wheelchair accessible. I have personally witnessed her independently working her way up and down stairs with a smile. At shows Jess is typically found right up front headbanging and singing along and even moshing with a smile. Her determination and dedication to the things and people she loves is truly amazing.

This has been a long and difficult journey. Funds raised will go directly to Jess and Troy. It will be used for on going care needs for Jess, to help pay for gas and maintaining their home in La Crosse. It has been very difficult to keep up with basic needs, added medical bills and travel expenses on one income.

Jess ‘s goal is to make it through this even stronger and to gain back as much independence as possible. She wants to some day be an advocate to others in her situation. All who donate and share their story are greatly appreciated. Jess feels blessed and thankful have Troy, Cinnamon, close family and friends like you to help them during this hard time.