Help Support Jennifer Smith After a Serious Bicycle Collision

Jennifer Smith

Today is September 12th and it’s been 10 weeks since the “horrible miracle” happened. I call it a “horrible miracle” because getting struck by a bus is easily synonymous with HORRIBLE and the outstanding fact that I have survived is the definition of MIRACLE.

I thought it might be a good idea to refresh the content on the page so that if you donated or are considering such kindness, then you will know how far I’ve come since July 2nd and the distance, I’ve yet to go. Last week I had my last major surgery on my left leg. I’ll skip the tedious medical details, but the orthopedic team continued the work from previous procedures, and the plastics team gift wrapped it in ALOT of skin from my right thigh. What happens next is a whole lot of patience. Official orders say not to bend my left leg and to keep it always elevated for three weeks. As for the right leg, the skin graft donor sites must stay wrapped up and sterile for two weeks. PT will be very limited until my left leg becomes weight bearing. Yesterday my great achievement was dangling my right leg over the edge of the bed while I sat up. However, the achievement felt a little less great because it required two physical therapists to get me in this position. I do admit it felt nice to be in a position other than lying in bed.

While I cannot do most of the things I enjoyed doing before, I am not bored. I love working in my sketchbook/journal- writing, drawing, painting and collages. I also read, knit, play cards and board games. When all else fails, there’s always Netflix. My favorite way to pass time is with visits from friends/family and the long conversations that commence.

If you have followed my recovery, then you know that I’m mostly a positive person. I don’t fully understand why this happened to me, but I accept that it is a marvel that I survived. Like anyone, I do suffer fleeting moments when the pain is too intense, the loneliness is too sad and feeling trapped in a bed is beyond frustrating. I am blessed that those moments are, in fact, fleeting. It is the overwhelming amount of hope I have that gives me strength.

I believe that hope does not happen in a vacuum. I imagine a dimension that your kindness doesn’t exist and I see a completely different life after this accident. The most significant would be not having my mother here to help and support me. Without her presence, the pain would be unbearable, the loneliness would swallow me and the fortitude to overcome the daily challenges would be diminished. Realizing the difference that GoFundMe and your donations have made is astounding. Your humanity is as important as any life-saving procedure.

We have used these funds to maintain my mom’s presence- her travel from Texas, her hotel room while I’m hospitalized and undergoing Physical Therapy at an Acute Rehabilitation Facility, her rental car and all the other necessities we could possibly need. Most recently your donations secured short-term housing at an AirBnB. It has been an enormous relief to know my mom has a place to stay and that I have a temporary home to go to when I am eventually discharged.

The fact that so many people have cared enough to donate or to share my story is a translation in hope. Your decision to acknowledge my need has provided a means to survive this “horrible miracle.” This experience has reminded me, time after time, that humanity does care. Thank you for caring about me.

Reginald Webb

On July 2, Jennifer was seriously injured in a bicycle collision in Palo Alto. Jennifer and I were riding back home from the train station when everything changed in an instant.

I was riding behind Jennifer when the collision happened. The bus turned right in front of us, and Jennifer was struck. I yelled, but there was nothing I could do fast enough to stop what happened. I ran after the bus, banging on the side while others honked their horns, trying to get it to stop.

I will never forget seeing Jennifer being dragged underneath the bus. After the bus stopped, I held Jennifer while she clung to life. I waited for help to arrive, desperately trying to comfort her as best I could. The collision was incredibly violent, and the severity of her injuries left an image that is impossible to forget.

Deb Landers Hoyle

This is my daughter, Jennifer Smith. On July 2nd she was hit by a charter bus while riding her bike in Palo Alto, CA. The impact threw her under the bus and wrapped her around the axle.

To say the least she received numerous injuries.

Jennifer was in a coma for 3 days after the accident and coded once in ICU. She also required a tracheostomy, which since a week ago has been removed.

She is making many improvements in her condition but is looking at a long term stay in a rehab facility.

Any donation to assist her financially or prayers are truly appreciated.