On September 25, 2017, Jennifer Flewellen, then 35, encountered a life-changing moment while driving to work. After dropping off her three sons at school, she felt lightheaded while on the phone with her husband. Subsequently, she veered off the road, hitting a pole, and her life has never been the same after that.
Woman Wakes Up From Coma After 5 Years
Flewellen's mother, Peggy Means, shared that she received a call about the accident while at work and rushed to the hospital with Flewellen's then-husband. The news revealed severe injuries, leading to her placement on life support and a medically induced coma at a larger hospital. Doctors were initially gloomy about her chances of survival.
Over the subsequent five years, as Flewellen remained in a coma, Means steadfastly believed in her daughter's potential recovery.
Despite challenges, including multiple hospital transfers and skepticism from others, Means advocated for the best care, ensuring her daughter received various therapies and maintaining a routine of caring for her every day.
Flewellen's response to a joke in August 2022 marked a turning point. Despite brief moments of alertness, she gradually improved with the support of speech therapy and Means' encouragement.
Working towards regaining her speech and mobility after five years in a coma, Jennifer Flewellen's family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with purchasing a handicap van and making home modifications.
Despite initial challenges, including difficulty speaking and increased sleep, Flewellen has shown progress over the months, defying the rarity of such cases, according to her physician, Dr. Ralph Wang from Michigan's Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
In a heartwarming moment, Jennifer Flewellen attended her son Julian's football game, becoming his biggest supporter once again.
Julian, who was 11 when his mother fell into a coma, expressed the surreal experience of having her back on the sidelines cheering him on. The news of her attendance also led to additional therapy opportunities at Mary Free Bed.
Mother's Love, Support for Jennifer's Full Recovery
For nearly five years, Flewellen remained in a coma, and her mother, Peggy, who had recently retired, faithfully stayed by her side, visiting almost daily, hopeful that her daughter would one day respond.
When that moment finally arrived, Means recorded it and shared the video with family and friends. Julian and his brothers visited the hospital the next day.
When Julian identified himself as "Juju," his mother's eyes lit up with recognition. However, learning about their ages and life events brought tears to her eyes, especially discovering that Julian was now a junior and his brothers had graduated.
Despite the challenges, the family tries not to dwell on the time missed, as Julian's grandma encourages them to focus on moving forward.
During Flewellen's recovery, even though she wasn't aware of her mom's frequent visits, Means played an audiobook about a woman describing her coma experience, which resonated with Flewellen.
Initially, many doubted Means' claims of her daughter emerging from the coma, including hospital staff who had reservations about her progress.
Despite skepticism, Means advocated for therapy, emphasizing the need to be a strong advocate. Flewellen's progress included producing sounds with a whistle and mastering vowels.
Even though she still requires assistance in many aspects of life, Dr. Wang notes her exceeding expectations. Looking ahead, Means is optimistic about her daughter's recovery and envisions her walking soon. When complimented on her readiness to face the world, Flewellen confidently responds, "I am."
