UPDATE 2/6/25: Jen has been admitted since January 5, 2025 for complications following an elective surgery that was deemed necessary to help manage her post-stroke care. Due to complications of surgery she required emergent removal of a significant part of her small intestine. She has since been dependent on IV nutrition (TPN) through a large catheter that goes to her heart (central line) and currently has abdominal drains in place. These are conditions that Jen cared for commonly as a pediatric nurse.
Today, she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). An untreated PE can be fatal, so she is grateful this was found and is being treated.
Despite these challenges, in typical Jen fashion, she is in good spirits - she is able to talk and joke with family and she is well able to discuss her complex care with her medical team.
She and her family wish to extend their appreciation to all!
We THANK YOU for your care and support!!
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Our dear friend and beloved pediatric G.I. nurse, Jen Kvale, has dedicated her life to caring for children and their families at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital since 1998. She started as a high school volunteer, then worked as a tech in nursing school, and finally as an RN after graduating. Jen began her career as an inpatient nurse on the 2S unit at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital before transitioning to a role as a G.I. clinical nurse. Through her hard work and expertise, she eventually became a nurse navigator for the pediatric G.I. division, where she was also the nurse lead for the intestinal rehabilitation program.
Known throughout the hospital as “G.I. Jen,” she is celebrated for her incredible work ethic, her dedication to her patients, and her ability to coordinate care and address any nursing issues related to G.I. She was the nurse everyone turned to for support, guidance, and solutions, earning the admiration of her colleagues and the trust of her patients and their families.
Beyond her career, Jen is a devoted mother to her two daughters, Ava (16) and Claire (8), who are the light of her life. She is also a loving wife to her husband Tim, a devoted daughter, a caring sister, and a loyal friend. Jen’s kindness and selflessness have touched everyone who knows her.
On August 10, 2023, Jen’s world was turned upside down when she suffered a devastating stroke, the cause of which remains unclear. Since then, she has embarked on a challenging journey of recovery, relearning to walk and talk while facing countless obstacles. Most recently, she was hospitalized again due to complications following abdominal surgery.
Jen dreams of one day returning to her career as a nurse, but it is unclear if that will be possible. Despite the uncertainty, her determination and love for helping others remain steadfast.
Her family has worked tirelessly to adapt to these challenges, including outfitting their home to meet her new needs. However, the financial strain of medical bills, therapy, and lost income has been overwhelming.
We are reaching out to our community to ask for help in easing this burden.
How You Can Help
Your donation will go toward:
- Ongoing medical bills and therapy costs
- Necessary modifications to their home
- Support for Ava and Claire as they navigate this life-changing event
- Ensuring Ava and Claire can continue their gymnastics training, a sport they both love, with as little disruption as possible
Jen’s hard work and dedication have touched so many lives. Now, it’s our turn to give back to her. Your generosity will provide hope and stability to Jen and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
Please consider contributing and sharing this page with others who may want to help. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Thank you for your kindness and support.