Animala Needs Help: Actress Jennifer Blaire

Actress Jennifer Blaire is beloved for her appearances in The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra, The Lost Skeleton Returns Again, Dark and Stormy Night and Trail of the Screaming Forehead among others, and, in particular, her character of Animala has a cult following. But what’s not been public is the tremendous struggle she’s had in recent years.

Some years back Jen had been prescribed painkillers off and on for various health issues, but she did not realize the insidious thing that was happening until years later when she decided to pursue a career in hairstyling. She worked very hard for her cosmetology certificate and upon graduating top of her class, Jen immediately went to work in the field. Unfortunately, this was interrupted by a necessary operation for something called “trigger finger,” as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. It was the prescribing of further pain meds that led her to the realization that her various mood swings over the years were indicative of something all too prevalent these days. She had become addicted to opioids.

The battle Jen waged over the next several years was not only against the drug itself, but against a healthcare industry only too happy to maintain the status quo (none of which was covered by insurance, I might add). Like so many others, Jen had become a victim of both a drug and a system. On numerous occasions she experienced nightmarish withdrawal and it became increasingly difficult to carry on, to function, as she fought suicidal thoughts, depression and despair, experiencing cold sweats, convulsions, nausea, dizziness and hallucinations (at one point, in the clinic, staff feared her withdrawal was disturbing the other patients so they put her in a closet for several hours). Jen finally realized that, ultimately, the only one who would win this battle was her. She had to become her own advocate. The details and trials of her ordeal and the ultimate subterfuge she resorted to in order to wean herself, first off methadone, then off Subutex, are worthy of a book (or one-woman show; notions she still entertains). You know when you see someone in a movie, taking a dose of something, then surreptitiously getting rid of it in a creative manner? This was Jen. At one point, after self-reducing her dose, she was hospitalized and had to bump it back up; it was an excruciating and delicate process. And it took her six years. But she did it.

Despite the pain, the utter despair from withdrawal that I can attest to (I helped talk her down from a number of cliffs), Jen maintained a valiant struggle the likes of which I cannot exaggerate. Though unable to continue her hairdressing job, Jen has nevertheless managed to maintain the house and bills on fixed income, co-parent her young son through severe issues and care for her elderly father whose increasing health concerns and inordinate number of falls have sent him repeatedly to the hospital (one of which quite nearly claimed his life).

Now, having finally kicked the opioids through her own resolve, she finds herself up against a series of catastrophes concerning the house that all seemed to hit at once; some covered by insurance (but requiring heavy deductibles), some not. These are crucial things, needed to keep the house safe and habitable. Jen also discovered that a credit card of her father’s had slipped through the cracks and she was forced to exercise a debt consolidation that has now made any kind of loan impossible. Jen’s caring for her father currently only allows her to work a part-time job (as a caregiver, not so ironically). Add medical bills that need to be paid, plus prescriptions, and you have a perfect storm. Having run out of options, I offered to start this GoFundMe. It is time things turned around for Jen. Maybe a bit of the joy she has brought people can be converted into much-needed help for her family. I thank you for reading this far, and for your consideration. Remember, no amount is too small.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: I want to mention that Jennifer and I remain very close, particularly in our careful co-parenting of our son. Also, to clarify, the money raised here will go directly to her account. This will be a lifesaver, and I don’t exaggerate when I say it will keep them from being homeless. Opioid addiction derailed her career and led to the mounting debt caused by medical bills, hospital bills, prescriptions (keep in mind, throughout Jen’s addiction, thousands and thousands were uncovered by insurance). Add to that a house that decided to go all at once, with major issues involving black mold and water damage (plus an asbestos kitchen floor), a failing electrical system, as well as repairs to heating and air conditioning and stairs that are literally falling apart. Only some of which is covered by insurance. At the same time trying to keep up with mortgage payments and the above-mentioned credit card consolidation. Your kind donations will go towards all of this. Thank you so much.