Please consider supporting the Stender’s while they go through this unimaginably difficult life event. Jason, his wife Mary, and their two young boys have been stationed in Puerto Rico the last 3 years while Jason has been working as a special agent with the FBI. Jason has a long history of service, including over 15 years as a marine and EMT.

On October 25th, while fishing with his family, Jason suffered a catastrophic fall and became instantly paralyzed. He was brought emergently to Centro Medico, the only Trauma 1 center on the island, where he underwent spinal surgery to stabilize his crushed cervical vertebrae. After 3 days there, he was air lifted to Miami, FL. He and Mary spent the next 6 weeks in intensive care and then acute rehab. With surgery and intense rehabilitation, Jason has regained limited use of his upper extremities and they continue to hope and pray for ongoing healing.

Through this time, Jason and Mary were separated from their boys who were with family in North Carolina. In December, Jason was transferred to inpatient rehab in Virginia, where he was able to reunite with his children and see them on Christmas. This event has been life altering in every way possible, including Jason’s career, living situation, and family dynamics. Please consider donating to help relieve some of the tremendous financial stress, allowing Jason to continue to focus on rehabilitation and reconnecting with his family. Specific financial needs include purchasing an ADA compliant home and van in Virginia. They are hopeful to all be home together soon, as they continue to work through the logistics necessary to begin their new normal.