Support Jen and Her Family on Her Long Journey to Recovery

This past March, our beloved friend, teacher, and single mother of three, Jennifer Edward (nee Jackson) suffered a sudden brain aneurysm and subsequent stroke. She was found by her two younger children, Josh and Jordan, unconscious in the morning before school, and was rushed to Toronto Western Hospital for emergency surgeries - including a 13 hour procedure to graft a vein from her arm to her brain. For 17 days, she remained in a coma, but awoke, against all odds.

Despite experiencing setbacks, including being constantly transferred from hospital to hospital, Jen demonstrates an unwavering and inspirational attitude towards overcoming this life-altering event. She always welcomes visitors with a warm smile, cracks jokes, and is eager to return to her work and loved ones. While she has made important physical and cognitive strides, the injuries have left her with significant impairments. She is unable to move her left arm and is slowly regaining some mobility in her left leg. Currently, Jen's expected to remain hospitalized until her family is able to provide her the necessary equipment and support for day-round care.

The journey ahead will be long and demanding, but we remain optimistic that with the right specialists and care Jen can beat the odds once more. We want to ensure she has the best chance at regaining her independence and returning to her loved ones. As such, this GoFundMe was created to provide a way for family and friends to help her obtain that goal. In addition to the financial hardships her family has already endured due to the absence of their mother, they've been advised to expect significant costs associated with physical, cognitive, and alternatives therapies, as well as home modifications. All funds raised will go towards supporting Jen's long-term recovery. As the situation continuously evolves, updates will be made on this page.

Thank you for your generosity and for sharing this story with others and communities that are willing to help. Your support is deeply valued and appreciated.

With all our hearts and deepest gratitude,

Jen's family and friends

Please direct any inquiries to jennifergofundme76 at gmail.com (@gmail.com - the website will not allow entry of the email address in it's entirety)

Additional Information:

Prior to her injury, Jennifer worked as a devoted kindergarten teacher at Lake Wilcox Public School and has taught grades 2-8. She has been a pillar for the Oak Ridges and surrounding community for 25 years. She is known for her tireless dedication to her students and compassionate character. Whether it be through coaching sports teams such as volleyball and basketball, engaging students in track and field, or participating in spirit days, Jen has always given her heart to her students, making a lasting impact of hundreds, if not thousands of lives. Even now, she remains adamant on returning to her classroom.

Jen's three children - Jackson, Jordan, and Josh - have been her greatest source of strength. Since her injury, her eldest, Jackson, 20, has taken responsibility for his mom's life's logistics, including finances, communications, and legal proceedings. Both Jordan, who began her education at the University of Guelph this September, and Josh, who is attending high school, have also played integral roles in their mother's recovery. We would also like to give our deepest thanks to all those who have been there to support Jen and her family through this challenging time, whether that be through routine visits, taking care of the house, or providing meals for her children.

For transparency, the beneficiary (Thomas Jackson Edward) is Jennifer's eldest son (preferred name Jackson). The organizer of this event (Matthew) is Jackson's childhood friend.