Join Marissa's Fight: Contribute to Her Care

I am starting this Go Fund Me for my sister Marissa Jones. Marissa is undoubtedly the kindest, most honest, and compassionate person I have ever known. Marissa loves being outside – she likes to hike, kayak and snowboard. She is a lover of animals and an amazing mom to her dog Indy and cat Ollie. She thrives when she is helping people and gives so much of herself every day. She could write a manual for how to be a good person. She consistently works hard to be her best self and bring happiness to others around her. She has such a bright and promising future ahead.

Unfortunately, Marissa has been faced with the unthinkable. On March 14th, Marissa suffered a horrible accident while traveling from NH to VA. She sustained a severe head injury that required her to be rushed to the ICU. Thankfully, she was close to Milton Hershey Hospital, a leader in neurological care. In the hours following the accident, she was put in an induced coma to prevent additional swelling in her brain.

After about a week, the doctors and nurses slowly took her off the medications that were keeping her in the coma. She didn’t wake up. Medical staff, family and friends worried that her injuries were too severe and that she would never wake up. But then, one beautiful early morning, she did.

She shocked everyone by showing signs of responsiveness and cognition. A neurosurgeon described it as “humbling” as it reminded him how much is still unknown when it comes to the brain. Since that morning, she has consistently been shocking everyone with the great progress she is making.

One of her amazing nurses wrote in a card to her: “Sometimes life throws challenges our way that we never imagined having to face, and I am genuinely sorry that this one was thrown at you. But I am extremely grateful that it brought a patient like you into my life. You are the strongest person I know.” Even in this extremely difficult time in her life, Marissa finds ways to bring happiness to those around her. I know she has taught me life’s most valuable lesson - all that really matters is spending time with people that you love, doing things you love, in places that you love.

As I write this, Marissa is on the next step in her recovery journey. We focus on the positives and how far she has come but, the truth is, she still has far to go. She will need to learn to walk again and is focused on strengthening her right side which is still severely compromised. She is back home in Contoocook, NH living with our Mom and Dad. She is busting her butt to get better and it’s working. She looks forward to sitting on the deck breathing the fresh NH air, going for walks along the rail trail and having Dad grill her burgers (with bacon of course).

I am in absolute awe of my sister’s strength and of my parent’s strength as they care for my sister. Everyone agrees that Marissa would not be where she is if not for my parent’s extreme determination, devotion, and grit. To my parents as well as the vast network of family and friends who have been beside us every step of the way, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Along with the outpouring of love from our community, Marissa’s medical treatment has been incredible. I cannot give enough praise and gratitude to the nurses, doctors and staff at Hershey Milton Hospital, Camp Hill, Spaulding Rehab and Rehab without Walls. They have laughed and cried with us every step of the way and have shown Marissa immense love and support.

As you can imagine, this has all come at steep cost. My Mom and Dad have had to modify their home to be handicapped accessible and purchase the equipment to take care of Marissa’s needs. Marissa is out of work for the foreseeable future. Additional in-home care will potentially be needed.

Which brings me to this - it is time to ask for your support. Even though Marissa is the one doing the heavy lifting, donations to this Go Fund Me will directly contribute to Marissa’s recovery. All funds will be routed into Marissa’s personal account to help her afford treatment and everyday living expenses as she recovers.

If there were ever a person who deserved your support, it would be Marissa. Please contribute to Marissa’s fund and help her in this fight.

To my amazing sister: We love you and believe in you. Keep loving and believing in yourself.