Jennifer’s Story: God’s Grace Through Tragedy 

When Anne took her three-year-old daughter to Sunday school one morning more than thirty years ago, she couldn’t imagine how both their lives were about to change.  

Tragedy Strikes Without Warning… 

Jennifer was playing on the church swing set when it malfunctioned, causing a catastrophic accident. After rushing to the emergency room, Anne received shocking news: Jennifer had the worst broken neck the doctor had ever seen—crushed at levels C3, 4, and 5. Unable to breathe on her own, Jennifer was put on a ventilator. But while Anne began the heart-wrenching task of preparing to watch her little girl die, God had a different plan… 

In the months immediately following Jennifer’s accident, one medical crisis after another plagued her little body. She underwent a spinal fusion that required a body cast, couldn’t speak because of her need for a ventilator, and suffered fevers, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Through it all, Anne says that Jennifer “just kept smiling.” 

Finding a “New Normal” 

Five months after her accident, Jennifer returned home. And her family began adjusting to their “new normal” life, including home schooling for Jennifer. While Jennifer thrived because she loved to learn, Anne knew Jennifer would flourish in a traditional school setting among her peers.  

Despite resistance from teachers who hesitated to have Jennifer in the classroom because of her noisy ventilator and unique challenges, Anne advocated for her daughter to be included at school and Jennifer began attending class along with a personal nurse. 

Finding Respite and Connection at Family Retreat 

When an unexpected divorce left Anne to care for her children as a single mom, the daily burdens of caregiving and isolation brought her close to her breaking point. That’s when she heard Joni on her car radio talking about Family Retreat… Anne called our Texas office and signed up! 

At Family Retreat God met Anne’s intense need for respite and connection, and gave Jennifer the experience of being surrounded by new friends who truly valued her. Amid the Christ-centered Joni and Friends community, Anne and Jennifer’s whole family got the encouragement and support they needed, not only to survive but to thrive. 

God’s Glory Shines Through Jennifer’s Life… 

Now, more than twenty years after her accident and its grueling aftermath, Jennifer has grown into a powerhouse young woman with deep faith, rich relationships, and many talents. Jennifer loves to create artwork using a device called a HeadMouse, which translates the movements of her chin. Her gifts and purpose-driven life inspire and motivate those around her by testifying to the grace of God. 

Today Jennifer and her family serve other families in need of hope and friendship. Their life and story encourage others enduring hardship, and witness to the transformative power of a Christ-focused community that embraces, encourages, and nurtures families grappling with the daily strain of disability.  

You can make it possible for families like Jennifer’s to find new hope and belonging through Joni and Friends Family Retreat and other Gospel-centered programs.