Help Jamie Come Home and Fence Again

Portland resident Jamie Willemse was critically wounded in a shooting on Saturday, August 28 in Atlanta, Georgia. Jamie was in Atlanta to compete in the USA Fencing Veterans National Championships. Jamie and a fellow fencer were returning to the hotel after a dinner to celebrate Jamie’s 3rd place Bronze win in the 50-59 Women’s Saber category. There was gunfire on the street and a bullet struck Jamie who was in a Lyft vehicle at the time. Police have confirmed that Jamie was hit by a stray bullet from a gang-related gunfight. Neither the Lyft driver nor the other passenger were injured. Jamie required emergency surgery and remains in an Atlanta hospital in serious but stable condition. The date of discharge is unknown and she faces a long recovery. The next step will be to get Jamie safely home to Portland, Oregon. Due to the injuries, she is not allowed to fly, so getting her home will be an expensive and difficult process. The family will be facing large medical bills and other associated expenses, including medical transport, nursing services and long-term physical therapy. Your help is needed. Please consider making a donation to assist with bills related to Jamie’s current and future medical care, and transportation costs.