If you are a follower of CORE or a friend of one of our employees, you have probably read something about our friend/employee, Jen Coyne, in the past few years. Between August of 2020 and December 14th of that year, many of us were asking for prayers as Jen struggled for her life against COVID-19. I am thrilled to tell you, Jen has returned to work at CORE and recently shared her story with me.
Jen was initially hired as a Job Coach to work with young adults in the CORE store, providing them with the skills needed for employment. After 18 months, she was asked to become the Program Manager and to assist the Director with the dealings of the program.
She said, “CORE has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had through my work experience related to Social Work. Seeing the growth happen in our participants right before my eyes and watching their confidence grow also brought me confidence and happiness. It is great to see how I have helped change a participant’s life.”
Jen also disclosed she is a very social person, but doesn’t always have the confidence she should. She shared, “One of my more rewarding experiences happened when I was asked to assist with meeting other agencies in the community to better understand how the Vocational Training program works from start to finish. While doing this I managed to make many new friends and they have continued to support CORE along the way.”
Unfortunately, as Jen continued her growth to become a key employee at CORE, she was diagnosed August 6th 2020 with COVID, an event that forever changed the lives of her and her family.
(Before she shares her COVID experience in her own words, I want to add, the majority of her days in the hospital were spent on a ventilator. And some were touch and go as her family and friends prayed for a miracle).
“I was admitted to the hospital on August 13th 2020 and did not return to my home until December 14th, 2020. I began my journey at DuPont Hospital, then transferred to Lutheran Hospital. In early November, I was taken to Indianapolis and admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital. The day before Thanksgiving, I was transferred back to Fort Wayne and began rehab at Lutheran before being discharged to my home where I received nursing and all of my therapies. Six months after returning home, I lost my best friend, and my mom passed away; but, so much pain has brought me even closer to God.
Although I was sent home, I have continued to spend plenty of time in the hospital. My last admit was 30 days. I currently use oxygen and have been told that I will need it for the long run. I also have had a second tracheotomy,so I still am not breathing on my own. My lungs have been very damaged, but I continue with Respiratory Therapy to try to increase lung strength. I use a wheelchair as a mode of transportation, this too is due to my lungs, distance is not an option for me. I use a walker as well, if it’s for a quick walk or to stand for balance. I currently use a n AIRVO machine in my home. These are typically used in the hospital but my Dr worked to make sure I got one and we have seen an improvement since then. I do not drive as of yet and only communicate via email or text. However, there is something I have to do everyday….. shop online and I am really good at it!”
Jen
Finally, I asked Jen to share anything else she would like us to know.
“This event has changed my life in many ways. I thank everyone for your prayers, support and love. I found out the hard way, but I know I never want to be away from my Family and Friends again!”
We send Jen best wishes as she returns to CORE. We are thrilled she is back. Also, our heartfelt thanks from all us at CORE for those of you who prayed for our friend Jen the past few years.
