On New Year’s Eve, our family’s life changed in an instant due to a serious snowmobile accident. My sister, Jilienne Nason (a passenger) was knocked unconscious for approximately five minutes and suffered multiple severe injuries that required emergency medical care and major surgery.

She sustained a broken L1 vertebra, which required complex spinal surgery at St. V Hospital in Toledo following a five-day hospital stay. Surgeons were forced to completely remove the L1 vertebra (a procedure called a corpectomy) and stabilize her spine by placing screws at T12 and L2 to reconnect it. Miraculously, her spinal cord was missed, and we are incredibly grateful for that blessing.

To access her spine, doctors had to remove a rib, then place a plate over it afterward. In addition to her spinal injuries, she also fractured the medial malleolus in her right ankle, leaving her unable to bear weight. She is currently facing the possibility of additional ankle surgery, with a recheck appointment scheduled for January 27th to determine next steps.

Since the accident, she has required round-the-clock care, constant pain management, and ongoing medical appointments. She is attending physical therapy weekly and requires occupational therapy, all while continuing to recover from major trauma.

My mom (Jilienne’s primary care provider right now) is a small business owner, which means she does not have sick leave or paid time off. As household bills, recovery equipment, etc grow and my moms ability to work remains limited, as well as my sister being completely unable to work, the financial strain is going to be difficult to navigate on top of an already difficult recovery.

We are raising funds to help cover:

Any Medical bills and potential future surgery

Equipment needed for recovery

Loss of both incomes during recovery

Travel and follow-up appointments

Ongoing care needs during healing

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean more than words can express. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as appreciated. Thank you for helping support my mom and sister as they focus on healing and recovery.