Support Jess's Recovery!

This GoFundMe is to support Jess and Heather Olson as Jess recovers from brain surgery. The strain of stroke recovery and rehab is very real and very expensive, even with health insurance. Heather has just started a new job in Moorhead, but has taken time away to care for Jess. As a result of all these unknowns, this page was created to ease the anxiety for them during this time.

In August 2023, Jess suffered a mild ischemic stroke which affected the Left side of her body and her mobility. She was hospitalized for several days, and then she worked very very hard at balancing rest and PT and OT therapies; she recovered fully and well and returned to work on October 1. However, during the follow-up testing after that initial stroke, it was found that Jess had an unrelated unruptured anuerysm on the Right side of her brain as well. And so after 3 months of brain healing, Jess had an exploratory cerebral angiogram on 11/21/23 to look at the aneurysm closer, and it did not look great. Emergent surgery was then scheduled for 11/27/23 to repair the aneurysm. The neuro team placed a cerebral stent inside the aneurysm that morning, and initially it looked as if it had gone "perfectly." However, as Jess was waking up in the PACU, it was discovered that she was unable to move her left arm or leg and she developed profound facial droop--another stroke had happened. They rushed her right back into surgery where they removed a clot that had almost fully occluded the stent they had just placed, and thankfully circulation was restored to her brain just in time. She was hospitalized in the ICU for 3 days, and then came home to begin the recovery process once again...

We are glad to be home from Jess’ most recent hospitalization, and we ask for prayers in the coming days and weeks. We’ve created a CaringBridge site to help update our communities. We believe great strength is demonstrated in vulnerability and honesty, and Jess is brave beyond measure! Here, we will share updates on Jess's progress, milestones, and the small victories that make each day brighter. This is not just a journal; it's a testament to the power of community and the unwavering support that comes from friends and family. Welcome to it.

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessolson