Jenna Coburn

Jenna has been to Wolfson Children’s Hospital more than 30 times in the past 10 years. And while the staff, nurses and doctors love visiting with her, their first priority is her care.

Jenna was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was one year old. This illness causes muscle degeneration and weakness. Jenna is also susceptible to infection and often has to be treated at the hospital.

Jenna was originally diagnosed at Nemours Children’s Clinic. For a time, she was being treated by specialists outside of Jacksonville, but the financial and emotional burden made the process difficult.

Now that she is being treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, things are as good as they can be. Not only is the hospital 30 minutes from home, but the staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital cares for Jenna in every way. During her stays, the staff keeps her happy and entertained through games, arts and stories. Jenna’s doctors go out of their way to visit her during her stays. The nurses and doctors even recognize her and her family out in the community.

A year ago Dr. Eric Loveless measured the curve of Jenna’s scoliosis at 130 degrees due to her Spinal Muscular Atrophy. While she was waiting for surgery, Jenna was in and out of Wolfson Children’s Hospital three times with pulmonary problems due to her spine collapsing and pressure on her heart and lungs.

Jenna was admitted to surgery for a halo and put into traction. For ten days she was confined to a 15 degree titled bed, and she had a ten pound weight hanging from the Halo. After ten days the traction poles were moved to her wheelchair. When the halo was removed she had two eleven inch rods inserted along her spine, taking her spinal curve to 50 degrees. Due to a swollen airway, she was put on a ventelator for four days.

Today Jenna is not in a body brace, and sits straight by herself! Jenna’s mother, Ericka, is thankful to have a facility that cares so much. Ericka is grateful she can leave Jenna in good hands when necessary. It’s this comfort and knowledge that keeps them here in Jacksonville.

Click Here to Donate