05/01/2026
You Can Do Hard Things: Jaelynn’s Courageous Rehabilitation Journey 💜
When their softball‑loving, 10‑year‑old daughter, Jaelynn, was hit by a sudden illness, Heidi and Devin found themselves in an unimaginable reality. Complications from viral meningitis and brainstem encephalitis caused swelling in Jaelynn’s brain, leaving her family devastated. They were forced to confront questions no parent should have to ask – wondering if they would ever hear Jaelynn speak again or see her walk or stand on her own.
Jaelynn was intubated in the intensive care unit to enable her to breathe, and her care team placed a drain to relieve pressure in her brain – marking the beginning of a long, uncertain road ahead.
“Our main goal was simple; we just wanted Jaelynn to be able to come home. We had no idea what that would look like. We didn’t know if she’d come home in a wheelchair, with a feeding tube or remain nonverbal. All we hoped for was getting her back home with us,” said Heidi.
“After she was stabilized in the hospital, we needed a place that could support her through recovery – a place that understood complex neurological injuries in children. That’s what brought us to ChildServe.”
At ChildServe’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Jaelynn took on the hard work of recovery each day. Through an intensive therapy schedule – including physical, occupational, speech, music and mental health therapies – ChildServe’s interdisciplinary team tailored every session to Jaelynn’s unique goals and abilities.
“Our motto became, ‘You can do hard things,’” said Heidi. “Her progress changed day by day, and we watched her hit milestones we weren’t sure we’d ever see again. It was amazing and shocking all at once.”
From whispering to singing along to Taylor Swift, and from using a wheelchair to taking long walks to the playground, Jaelynn moved mountains. She pushed past obstacles and rediscovered parts of herself she once knew so well.
“ChildServe’s team supported us in so many ways during such uncertain times,” said Heidi. “Every team member has been wonderful. The communication between everyone involved in Jaelynn’s care has given us a lot of comfort and confidence
when we needed it most.”
Jaelynn made extraordinary progress. She returned home from ChildServe’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit four weeks earlier than expected, a powerful reflection of her determined personality and the expertise of her care team.
Today, 11-year-old Jaelynn continues her courageous rehabilitation journey through ChildServe’s outpatient services.
“When we first came to ChildServe, we just wanted our little girl back,” said Heidi. “And now, even after all she’s been through, the strength she shows is inspiring to all of us. I’m so proud of Jaelynn because she’s truly a walking miracle.”
Learn more about ChildServe's Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program: https://www.childserve.org/pediatricrehabilitation/.
Images: Jaelynn at ChildServe during therapy.
