I’ve created this GoFundMe for my best friend, Jen. On November 25th, Jen suffered serious injuries that leave her unable to work either of her jobs until she is fully recovered and approved to return back to work. For a hardworking single mom, this is the worst possible timing- right before the holdiays. She won’t receive full pay during her leave, which absolutely isn’t sustainable, so if you’re looking for a cause to support this holiday season, please consider this one.

While working at her elementary school job on November 25th, Jen fell down a flight of cement stairs chasing after a student in efforts to bring them back to safety. The fall caused multiple breaks in BOTH feet and an injured leg (and more imaging still pending). With adrenaline as her only strength, she got up and kept running on broken feet after the child because that’s just who she is—dedicated, passionate, and always putting others first.

These injuries mean that for the time being Jen cannot work her full-time school job, and absolutely cannot work her part-time as a bartender/server which she heavily depends to make ends meet financially. As a single mother, the financial strain she is about to face is overwhelming and devastating. My hope is to raise enough to ease her burden, focus on recovery, and help her provide for her top priority—her son.

Anyone who knows Jen knows how selfless, hardworking, and fiercely independent she is. That independence also makes it incredibly hard for her to ask for or accept help, which is why I've decided to do this for her. She can’t put weight on either foot, can’t climb the stairs in her own home, can’t drive, and is in an unbelievable amount of pain. Basic tasks of daily living are practically impossible for her right now —yet she still has to fulfill her responsibilities at her most important job - being a mother.

Knowing Jen for over 20 years, I know her all too well and I'm most worried that she’ll push herself to return to work too soon because of the financial pressure. We don’t know yet how long her recovery will take, but so far it’s looking to be significant. I want her to be able to focus solely on healing until her doctors say she can safely bear weight again.

Jen has been there for so many of us, time and time again. Now it’s our turn to show up for her and give back. Any donation, big or small, means the world and will help- even $10, $15, $20 it all adds up and will be appreciated so much. All funds will go directly toward helping Jen and her son get through this difficult time so she can finally put herself first and recover fully.