Many of you know my mom, Jane Richmond, as a gifted herbalist, a dedicated teacher, and someone who has spent decades helping others find healing through nature. Teaching others to heal themselves is her life's work and her greatest joy — at 76, she shows no signs of stopping.
This week, Jane was rushed to the emergency room after several days of worsening symptoms that turned out to be a serious bloodstream infection caused by Group B Streptococcus bacteria. By the time she reached the hospital she was in septic shock. The infection had spread to her spine, causing severe inflammation and pain, and her heart rate had reached a dangerous 197 beats per minute. Further testing has also revealed a small colony of bacteria on her heart valve, a condition known as endocarditis, which requires close monitoring and aggressive treatment. She is now stable, in excellent medical care, and fighting hard. The doctors have identified the bacteria and she is receiving targeted IV antibiotics around the clock. But the road ahead is long — she faces a minimum of six weeks of IV antibiotic treatment, either in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility, followed by a significant recovery period.
During this time Jane's clinic is closed. The classes she loves teaching are on hold. The income she depends on has stopped entirely. My mom has spent her life helping others. And now she's the one needing help. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps cover her mounting hospital bills, skilled nursing facility costs if needed, and the lost clinic income that supports her and my dad, her partner of 47 years, during this difficult time. Please share this page with anyone who has been touched by Jane's work, her teaching, or her generous spirit. Your support means the world to us and will help give Jane the space to focus entirely on healing. If you’re able, please leave a message of encouragement for Jane—your words mean so much to her and our family. Jane has never stopped showing up for others. Let's show up for her. With deep gratitude, Ben Finch (Jane's son)
This week, Jane was rushed to the emergency room after several days of worsening symptoms that turned out to be a serious bloodstream infection caused by Group B Streptococcus bacteria. By the time she reached the hospital she was in septic shock. The infection had spread to her spine, causing severe inflammation and pain, and her heart rate had reached a dangerous 197 beats per minute. Further testing has also revealed a small colony of bacteria on her heart valve, a condition known as endocarditis, which requires close monitoring and aggressive treatment. She is now stable, in excellent medical care, and fighting hard. The doctors have identified the bacteria and she is receiving targeted IV antibiotics around the clock. But the road ahead is long — she faces a minimum of six weeks of IV antibiotic treatment, either in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility, followed by a significant recovery period.
During this time Jane's clinic is closed. The classes she loves teaching are on hold. The income she depends on has stopped entirely. My mom has spent her life helping others. And now she's the one needing help. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps cover her mounting hospital bills, skilled nursing facility costs if needed, and the lost clinic income that supports her and my dad, her partner of 47 years, during this difficult time. Please share this page with anyone who has been touched by Jane's work, her teaching, or her generous spirit. Your support means the world to us and will help give Jane the space to focus entirely on healing. If you’re able, please leave a message of encouragement for Jane—your words mean so much to her and our family. Jane has never stopped showing up for others. Let's show up for her. With deep gratitude, Ben Finch (Jane's son)
Organizer and beneficiary
John Finch
Beneficiary