Here at KW Cares we’re blessed to hear the stories of KW Family members who have been touched by our grant program. One such recipient is Jessica, who went through a two-year nightmare caused by a spinal infection. Below is her story, in her own words.
My name is Jessica
For the past two years, my life has been turned upside down by a medical condition I never could have imagined. A spinal infection. It started in 2024 and became a long, painful, and uncertain journey that affected every part of my life, my health, my ability to work, and even the simplest parts of my daily routine.
I spent time in the hospital and then underwent two separate six-week rounds of IV antibiotics, countless tests, MRIs, and even 2 spinal biopsies, each time, hoping for answers, and each time facing disappointment. The second round of treatment made me incredibly sick, causing a severe allergic reaction that left me unable to work full-time for months. It was one of the lowest points I’ve ever experienced physically and emotionally.
When my doctors could no longer find answers, I was sent to the Mayo Clinic. Even there, after advanced testing, the infection remained a mystery. By early 2026, surgery became my only option.
On February 16, 2026, I underwent a major spinal surgery. The doctors removed as much infection as possible, rebuilt parts of my spine with donor bone, and stabilized it with rods and pins. During surgery, they also discovered and removed a fractured bone pressing on my spinal cord.
Today, I am in a long recovery, but for the first time in a long time, I feel hope. I am so incredibly grateful for the chance to heal and even to walk again. What has touched me just as deeply is knowing that part of my healing came from the selfless gift of donors. Someone, at some point, chose to give a part of themselves so that someone like me could have another chance at life. That kind of generosity is humbling beyond words, and I carry a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to honor that gift as I continue to heal.
Alongside the physical battle came an overwhelming financial burden. Because my care had to be out-of-network, the costs quickly became more than I could ever manage on my own. This is where KW Cares truly changed everything for me.
Receiving a grant from KW Cares has meant more to my family and me than I can fully put into words. In a time when everything felt uncertain and overwhelming, it brought us peace. It reminded us that we are not alone, that we are surrounded by a community that truly cares. Emotionally, it lifted a weight I had been carrying for so long. For my family, it meant relief from constant worry and the ability to breathe again during my recovery.
The grant has helped in very real and tangible ways. It has gone toward covering critical medical expenses, including surgery-related costs, testing, medications, and travel for treatment. It has also helped provide the necessary equipment I need during recovery. Because of this support, I have been able to focus on healing instead of constantly worrying about how I would survive financially. I am deeply, deeply grateful.
I want to thank KW Cares from the bottom of my heart for seeing me, for stepping in during one of the hardest seasons of my life, and for reminding me what it truly means to be part of a family. I also want to thank the Keller Williams community that stands behind this organization, because I know this generosity comes from people who give selflessly to help others like me.
Having been part of Keller Williams for over 12 years, I have always believed in the culture, but now I have lived it. From colleagues who have supported me in big and small ways, to those who have prayed with me and encouraged me along the way, I have felt surrounded by love.
Because of what blessing I have received, I feel a strong calling to pay it forward. As I continue to heal, I want to be a source of encouragement and support for others who find themselves in difficult seasons. This experience has changed me. It has deepened my gratitude, strengthened my faith, and reminded me that even in the hardest moments, there is still goodness, generosity, and hope.
Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for supporting me. And thank you for reminding me what it truly means to be part of a family.
I will carry this gratitude with me long after this chapter of my life is behind me.
How You Can Help
We’re sending Jessica all of our best wishes and healing thoughts as she begins the long process of recovery and rehabilitation. We hope that someday soon she’ll send us a video of her walking again!
If you know a KW associate like Jessica, please make sure they know about us. We’re here to help, and they can apply online at kwcares.org/grants/. If Jessica’s story has inspired you, consider making a gift at donate.kwcares.org or by giving through Command.
