Support Jae & Oakley Phoenix!

Hi, my name is Dan, and I am a member of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, along with Jae Phoenix. As an amazing musician and spirit, Jae is integral to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and its Community Choir. Unfortunately, Jae was in a severe skydiving accident on Saturday, July 23, and is in intensive care after sustaining several major injuries. Jae's kid Oakley has been at her side since the accident, and Oakley's account of the traumatic experience, along with more information, is below. This GoFundMe has been organized to help defray the costs of items for Jae's care (such as medication, toiletries, clothing, gas, and food) during her long recovery period ahead. On behalf of Jae's choir family, who love and appreciate her so much, I thank you for anything you can contribute at this time! Donations will go directly to Oakley as they stand by their Mom through this challenging time. (Note that Oakley mentions below that alternately, you can contribute via Venmo.)

Oakley's message:

"Hi, my name is Oakley Rae Phoenix. I am Jae Phoenix's kid. I am writing to inform you that my mom was in a horrendous skydiving accident yesterday, July 23rd, 2022. She is alive, in critical condition.

Jae wanted to take me skydiving for my 21st birthday, and we went out to the Davis jump zone Saturday morning. We jumped off the plane with our tandem jump instructors, from 13,000 feet in the air, at roughly 12 noon yesterday. During Jae's jump, her parachute deployed and then collapsed in on itself, resulting in Jae and her instructor falling roughly 100 feet to the ground. I landed 2-3 minutes after her, and was by her side, singing Spirituals and praying as an ambulance and med-evac helicopter were called. My mom was airlifted from the Davis jump zone to Kaiser Vacaville just before 1 pm. She received multiple blood transfusions while in the air, and nearly bled out due to multiple internal bleeds. I gathered our belongings and drove her car to the ER to be with her. As calls were made, Jae's best friend, her son, and my other mom drove from across California to be there in the ER. We were informed that Jae had sustained several major injuries: severe internal bleeding in her stomach, a pelvic fracture, a femur fracture, a facial fracture, compression fractures in her spine, a large laceration on her upper thigh, a tear near her colon, and a concussion, among other wounds and bruises that are still being uncovered. She has already undergone multiple surgeries, and she has been able to make small movements and show signs of comprehension. Jae will be in intensive care for the next several weeks, and her road to recovery post-discharge will be long.

As her kid and as the relative there when it happened, I'm traumatized and heartbroken and doing everything I can to play the role of a grownup. I'm living in our home alone, taking care of her belongings, and writing this message to you. My original trip had only been planned for Thursday (7/21) through today (7/24), but I will now be staying much longer to be by her side, bring what she needs to the ICU, and do everything else I can to support her. As you all know, Jae Phoenix is one of the strongest, loving, powerful, and most talented people. She is a beautiful mother and artist. And she was in a horrible accident that even I have trouble comprehending, and I was at the scene.

If you are able to provide support, here are 3 things you can do.

1: Email a "get well soon" video to [email redacted] -- I will be compiling the videos submitted into a slideshow that Jae will be able to see once she is awake. Please keep videos to a minute or less.

2: Venmo me at @oakleyphoenix. As I'm navigating my lengthened stay and beginning to purchase items for Jae's comfort, any monetary contributions would be helpful. Gas, food, medication, toiletries, clothing, and other items quickly add up, and any monetary support would be appreciated.

3: Pray for her. Sing for her. Grab a tambourine and play for her. Any warm wishes, good thoughts, prayers, or moments of silence would be wonderful. Jae is a fighter, and she is fighting like hell to survive this, but she has been through so much. Your support and thoughts of her will be well received. If you are looking to receive updates, please email [email redacted]. I am consolidating updates into that email address to avoid having my (and her) phone constantly flooded with messages and questions. Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Be well.

Sincerely, Oak