03/27/2026
My story
June 27th started like any other day. I went to the gym then started my routine. I had my kids and everyone else's kids over. 7 in total. The kids swam while I mowed the backyard. I was getting hot and got an idea. This is something I have always told my kids not to do. "Never jump from the trampoline into the pool, you'll break your neck!" However I knew I was a good swimmer and I thought I could handle it. I decided to dive from the trampoline into a shallow pool.
As soon as I entered the water, I hit my head on the bottom of the pool. I heard a crack noise. I was so sure I broke my head open. I tried to reach for the side of the pool but my arms wouldn't reach for the sides. So I tried to stand up and I couldn't find my legs. I was face down in the pool and I couldn't hold my breath any longer. I inhaled some water and my lungs felt like fire. But then I heard a little voice say "No, mommy!" My 8 year old son Lucas ran to me and rolled me. He pulled my head up and all I could do was tell him not to let me go. He never did. He yelled for his brother to get their dad, who came instantly and took over for Luke.
Soon the fire department was in my backyard and in the pool with me. Once they had a board under me and I knew I was safe, I was out. I woke up in the ambulance for a few minutes because I remember them cutting my clothes and lots of talking. I asked if I was paralyzed, the ems said "I don't know, but we're lucky you're alive ". Then back out. Once at the hospital, the doctor explain to my husband that I needed emergency surgery if I was going to survive.
I don't remember anything until after surgery and in ICU. My husband told me surgery went well and called for the doctor. Doctor explained that I shattered my c5 and was paralyzed from my neck down. After removing the small pieces, they added a donor bone and secured it all together with plates and screws from my c4 to c6. I'm an incomplete quadriplegic. So that's my story and where my journey began. Welcome to my s**t show!
Don't dive from trampolines.
Don't dive into shallow Pools.
My name is Jen, welcome to Jackass.
Love you!
