On Monday, August 25, 2008, Jennifer Hall was brutally attacked by two homeless people on the South Side of Chicago. Out celebrating her 36th birthday with fiancé Joe Hoffman, Jen was viciously kicked in the head until she became unconscious… an unprovoked altercation that left Jen lying in a pool of her own blood with only four teeth left in her mouth.
Medical experts familiar with Jen’s trauma said that nine out of 10 people in her condition are brain dead and don’t survive.
But Jen is fighting the odds. Though touch and go, Jen’s condition has steadily progressed. She is conscious. She knows her name. She is recovering. Jen is a walking miracle.
“South Loop beating victim speaks”, ABC7 Chicago, September 22, 2008
“Victim of Beating by Homeless Couple Talks About Recovery”, MyFox Chicago, September 22, 2008
“I don't wish this on anyone”, Chicago Sun-Times, September 22, 2008
“Beating victim suffers seizure”, Chicago Journal, September 10, 2008
“On an unreleated note...South Loop attack”, Windy City Rock, September 10, 2008
“2 homeless people charged in South Loop attack”, Chicago Tribune, August 28, 2008
Perhaps the most tragic part of Jen’s story is that she falls into a loophole where she currently has no medical insurance.
At the time of attack, Jen was just four weeks shy of securing medical insurance from her new employer, and just 3 months away from marrying Joe, which will entitle her to spousal insurance through his employer.
Jen is still undergoing rehab and therapy three days a week for four hours a day. There are some clear signs of progress, as the doctors and therapists have agreed to discontinue her use of the leg brace because Jen’s muscles are now strong enough to hold her up without aid. Her balance is still off a bit, however, and she continues to use the walker whenever we are outside. She can now get around the house on her own two feet, though, so thumbs up to Jen! Her hair is growing in nicely, but she is still not happy about the buzz cut. She will need to wear hats to keep her head warm in the Chicago winter.
Emotionally, Jen is improving, and she is laughing a little bit more than in previous weeks. My mom recently headed home after being here for nearly four weeks, and Jen’s mom is back to help for another two weeks, as we still can't leave Jen alone for long periods of time due to the seizure meds and pain meds—for the massive headaches she still experiences.
Jen has done several television interviews recently, one for ABC7 Chicago News and another for FOX Chicago News, describing how she used to bring leftovers from her restaurant and home to feed the homeless. She and I also spoke with The Chicago Sun Times newspaper and made the front page with a great article, as well. You can find all these stories and articles online via Google.
Jen is in the Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago 3 days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) for 3 hours each day for Occupational/Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Cognitive (Motor Skills) Therapy. She is now on anti-seizure meds which she has to take twice a day along with the pain meds, ulcer meds, and a couple other meds for her recovery.
She still can't move her left foot or wiggle her left toes. She is having a brace made for her lower left leg which will help her learn to walk properly while at rehab. She gets around in a wheelchair and walker for now. Her mouth is still sore from the multi-tooth loss and she is eating soft foods. She has a dental appointment scheduled for September 16 to get an evaluation and hopefully begin the oral surgery she needs. Jen now suffers from post-concussive syndrome, which means she gets constant migraine-type headaches and is taking meds for this, as well.
Jen is progressing quite well. She is currently in physical rehab at the Chicago Rehabilitation Center. She is unable to walk and has lost feeling in her left leg below the knee where she can’t move her left foot or wiggle her toes. As anyone can imagine, her spirits have been like a roller coaster. I hope she pulls through this soon. Thanks everyone for your love and support, Joe.
It’s a medical miracle Jen survived, and now she needs another miracle…your support and generosity to help her survive the emotional and financial adversity brought on by this brutal attack.
A tax-deductible, charitable trust fund 501(c)(3) has been established to offset some of Jen’s medical expenses. To date, the expenses have exceeded $100,000. Your generosity and support is sincerely appreciated.
Please mail checks payable to “Jennifer Hall Charitable Trust Fund”
125 E. 13th Street Unit 915
Chicago, IL 60605