Happy Holidays from Jack and his Mommy

[Jennifer and Jack]

Hi,

I know I seldom post on here but I read on here often.   This past year, 2014 was both the most trying, difficult, defeating and almost life ending and at the same time the best, best year of my entire life.

I have spent the past year with a trach in my neck  hooked up to a vent breathing machine because I had a very rare airway disease called Tracheabronchial Malacia, I had 100 percent collapse of my airway, I was able to get air into my lungs but not exhale.   

Through many, many months of research I was actually flown to Ann Arbor Michigan in July, I was going to be the first human adult to receive a 3-d printed airway splint, They took images of my airway and recreated it with a 3-D printer, it was astonishing, In the beginning of July, no matter what they did, they couldn't oxygenate me so the decision was made to put me on a surviver flight to U of M for what would be the first ever adult to get this, the procedure was done on babies but made out of different material, My entire family gathered in MI along with my closest friends, I was interviewed by the News Paper, New Stations and all systems were go, 16 hours before my surgery, the FDA called my surgery off saying that one of the materials was not safe for human use and more animal testing needed to be done.

The hospital essentially dumped me because researchers could no longer use me or help me.  We traveled home by car in July with no hope, me not being able to breathe, we all thought this was my last shot as I was repeatedly told their wasn't anything else that could be done, I was told I could no longer live at home because I needed to high of a vent setting and I lived alone so they  wanted to place me at the age of 41 in a nursing home.  

I was never so desperate  in my life, I wanted to live so badly but didn't want to live like this….. I became obsessed with finding someone to take a chance with me, Finally I read about a surgeon in Boston who has done a surgery called a tracheobronchial plasty, I sent him my records and begged for him to just see me… One of my best friends and I went,  and a long story short I got along amazing with the team, and I ended up staying in Boston for three months. I successfully had a 16 hour open chest surgery on October 8, they restructured my entire airway, removed a portion of my right lung, ( I have cystic fibrosis too)  I woke up and the next day was walking around.  

I am now a little less then two months out from my surgery and I have had my trach removed, can breathe on my own except for bi pap at night and have more energy then a teenage girl.    My airways are healing, I was not supposed to even feel a difference for three months but already I do….   a  big one...

I go back in Feb and I can't wait.  I will be going back to work, as a nurse one day a week some time next year and I got my life back, I went from almost being put in a nursing home to taking Jack to see Santa the other day. 

2014 was one of the hardest years ever but by the Grace of God and the love of everyone I have in my life, I am doing amazing……   

I am so looking forward to a New Year and all the amazing things in store.  Whatever Holiday you Celebrate, I pray it is a good one, I pray you are filled with hope, love and peace.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you so much, it is still so surreal to being told you are going to have to live in a nursing home to what I have now, I actually even have a special man in my life, It just is incredible.   I am totally completely healthy and doing so well.  I know how precious fast things can change and I am enjoying every minute, TOnight for the first time ever I am hosting my first "after party" Holiday party, I feel like a princess all dressed up with a date and having my house all decorated ….. life is incredible when you can count your blessings

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so glad to hear this wonderful news. I wish Jack and you and your entire family a very Merry Christmas and the happiest and healthy New Year.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so glad to hear your wonderful news and wish you a healthy, happy new year ahead! 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

So happy for you Jenn!  You and Jack look great together again! Wishing you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

So happy for you Jenn! Happy Holidays to you and a happy and healthy New Year!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Such wonderful news Jennifer. You and Jack look great. Hope your healing continues.

[Jennifer & Truffle]

What an amazing story - so happy for you. You look beautiful in that photo and I wish you all much health and happiness for 2015!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you all so much! It's hard finding a balance between being on top of the world happy and remembering all those who are struggling...... I am certainly grateful for this time in my life!

[Gail and Bailey]

So happy to hear your wonderful news!  You look fantastic sitting with Santa and your beloved little Jack!  Happy Holiday Season to you and your family and all the best for 2015!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

This is the most wonderful news!!!  You are a true survivor.  Happy Holidays to you Jennifer, and, the best ever in 2015.