Family and friends, by now you have heard the news that my best friend, Jacklyn Gocke, suffered a spinal cord injury in January. If you, like most of us, heard this news and immediately thought, “What can I do to help?” On behalf of all those who know and love her, we kindly ask that you consider donating any amount you are able to help support Jacklyn and her family as they adjust to this challenging – and expensive – new reality.

What was supposed to be an outpatient procedure to treat an arteriovenous malformation in the soft tissue of her back turned into something none of us could have ever imagined. She went into surgery expecting to come home the same day. Instead, she woke up unable to move her lower body. In an instant, everything changed. Jacklyn spent two months inpatient at Craig Hospital working hard to regain as much strength and independence as possible. She continues that fight completing extensive outpatient therapy to learn functional life skills and maximize her neurorecovery. She is now learning to live with a spinal cord injury and navigate life from her wheelchair. As a new mother to her beautiful son Lincoln, she is not only adjusting to her own new life, but also to motherhood in a way that she never envisioned.

Through this time, Jacklyn and her family have remained inspiringly positive and adaptable, though it has not been easy. The financial burden has been overwhelming, not to mention the physical and emotional challenges. The cost of medical supplies and equipment, ongoing therapy, and necessary custom modifications to their car and future home are immense. On top of this, their current home is not accessible, forcing them to sell in an already difficult market.

To know Jacklyn is to know a person who is always the first to show up for anyone in need. She is as loving as she is fiercely independent. She is as determined as she is compassionate. Maybe you have witnessed these qualities as you have seen her in action as a school psychologist. Maybe you felt her grit and determination back on the soccer field, and it made you want to be better. Maybe you have seen the ways in which she shows up for her friends and family, the way she prioritizes being present and involved in the lives of those she loves. Maybe you have seen her pour her heart into her newest role as a mom.

Wherever you know Jacklyn from, you know she takes care of those around her.

Now it is our turn to show up for her and her family.

We are asking for support to help lighten the load during this incredibly difficult time. Any amount truly makes a difference and will go directly toward her care, recovery, and helping her family adjust to this new chapter.

This journey is far from over, but with a strong community behind them, I know Jack, Austin, and Linc will feel the love from all over, bringing much-needed hope and relief to their family.