Jane Katherine Koza

Linden, NJ

Mid-Atlantic Catastrophic Illness Fund

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2 Radnor Corporate Center
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Radnor, PA 19087

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I’m living an extraordinary life – thanks to your support.

For people with disabilities like me, celebrating milestones means looking back at what we have been able to overcome and achieve.

I started a new life in 2006 when my medical challenges began. Since then, I have reached 2 major milestones that I can celebrate today.

On October 19, 2024, I will mark my 5-year anniversary of successfully living independently.

I’m very proud of myself for this achievement. Not many people at the age of 60 who have expeirenced being institutionalized can successfully make that transition.

October 19, 2019 was my discharge date. With support from my community and a financial lifeline through fundraising with Help Hope Live, I was able to start my new, independent life.

In January 2025, I will recognize the 20-year anniversary of surviving a life-threatening medical crisis and becoming paralyzed from the chest down.

It was the biggest, most life-changing moment of my life.

But I have learned that life goes on. Today, life continues for me—but in a different way.

I am here. I am alive. I am pursuing my dream of being a book writer, capturing my journey in a book that will be completed at the end of this year and sent off to a professional editor.

Looking back at all I have survived, I recognize just how important financial help has been during this journey.

Today, I am still asking for your help to maintain this extraordinary life I have built.

I am fundraising for an accessible van so I can have an even more independent and bright future.

My story:

I’ve had a long fight for independence. With the support of my community, I am thriving—and I’d love to tell you my story, show you how I found my hope and strength, and explain why fundraising has been such a key part of my journey to where I am today.

My name is Jane Koza, and I am a lifelong resident of Linden, NJ. In 2006, I became paralyzed while receiving surgery for an infection.

At just 47 year old, I was put in a nursing home. I was told I would be a lifelong resident. Or So they thought! They didn’t really know me!

With hard work and hope, I fought my way out – in 2019, I finally found my pathway to living independently.

Today, I am celebrating multiple years of independent living in my own ADA accessible apartment.

Along the way, fundraising and community support have been key ingredients to building my hope and independence. I have worked with the nonprofit Help Hope Live for fundraising, and I have sold my artwork through the nonprofit—making art has given me such pleasure, and I love being able to share it with the community.

All of the funds raised through this nationally trusted nonprofit Help Hope Live in my honor help cover critical unpaid medical and related expenses as a paraplegic amputee.

The nonprofit verifies my medical diagnosis and only pays verified medical and related expenses. Donations are tax deductible.

Learn about me in the NJ Elder Ombudsman: https://www.facebook.com/NJElderOmbudsman/posts/3557059587683330Social

And here’s even more of my story from nursing home to independent living in Linden:

At the age of 47, I was an active, healthy adult woman. In my youth, I was an all-star athlete excelling in both basketball and softball, so the years of playing did take a toll on my body. It was apparent that I would need arthroscopic knee surgery to repair the torn cartilage. It had progressed to the point where I could barely walk.

The arthroscopic knee surgery did not go quite as planned. I contracted MRSA, better known as a staph infection that led to a second surgery. This time it was a total knee replacement. Again, I became infected with MRSA, this time infecting the bone. I have no knee joint.

I returned home with a badly infected knee and slipped into a coma for a brief period. Doctors gave me no chance to recover. That night I went into a grand mal seizure and, though I awoke with a fully intact mind, I went into arthritic septic shock causing yet another infection. This time it traveled to my spine, causing a rare autoimmune disease called transverse myelitis. It paralyzed me from the chest down.

To have gone from a healthy, active person to one living in a nursing home was devastating but I refused to let these past 12 years of health issues hold me back.

My dream became securing my independence and relief from being bedridden.

I started fundraising for those medically-related expenses that insurance will not cover but are necessary to improve my quality of life dramatically.

First on my list was a specially designed cushion for my wheelchair that would help alleviate pressure points that resulted in multiple bedsores.

The frame of my old wheelchair had somehow become bent. A new but basic wheelchair became my next goal.

In November of 2018 I had my left leg amputated, it was just a few short months after having my right leg amputated in the summer of 2018.

My legs were amputated because of complications due to the MRSA and in the case of my left leg a broken leg and femur.

Those months of recovery were not easy, but they have also been uplifting – because I found the strength to move forward.

I pursued physical therapy at Kessler Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ, where I was taught how to transfer myself out of my wheelchair to a bed, sofa, or anywhere necessary. It was an important step to becoming independent.

Throughout this journey, I had to remind myself of my strength and that I can still move forward.

I applied for and received a wish from The Twilight Wish Foundation. An organization, like the Make a Wish Foundation, grants wishes, but in this case to seniors.

I asked for a trip to Yankee Stadium because I’d never been there before and they gave it to me. I went on September 15th to see the Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays. I celebrating my 60th birthday. I got to wear a World series ring (I had to give it back) I saw the trophy and had a phenomenal time.

I began selling my art both in-person and online to help fund some of my most necessary medical and related expenses.

Today, I continue to fundraise with Help Hope Live and I also give back to my community in any way I can – such as through this campaign I initiated to get a new bingo machine for the residents of my old nursing home in early 2024: https://helphopelive.org/former-aristacare-resident-champions-the-need-for-a-new-bingo-machine/

So, despite everything that has happened, I am still here and I am still moving forward.

Your support and belief in me has helped me continue on this journey called life. This is not something that I can achieve on my own.

Please know that your contribution counts.

With sincere gratitude,

Jane Koza
908-494-6057
[email protected]

For more information on this fundraising campaign in my honor, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

For Checks:
Make checks payable to: Help Hope Live
Note in memo section: In honor of Jane Koza

Please send to: Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100,
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

August 1, 2024

Wish Recipient: Jane Koza

Age: 65

Wish Recipient Location: Linden, NJ

Wish: Return to Cape May

Wish Location: Bronx, NY

Anticipated Completion: August 2024

“It’s inconceivable what I’ve been through,” shared Jane, 65, of Linden, NJ when reflecting on what an opportunity to return to Cape May – a place perfect for reclaiming peace – would represent to her.

Jane is an older adult living with permanent physical disabilities as a bilateral amputee and paraplegic. From the time she had her legs removed, her life has continued to be filled with medical scares, near-death experiences, and her propensity for sepsis adds a level of complication and risk to any circumstance when her health is at odds.

Jane has stood on the brink of losing her life one too many times but has dug her heels in to never let it get the best of her. In addition to the physical adversity that Jane has overcome, she’s also experienced the worst of the elder care system in the United States. As an older adult with disabilities, Jane is no stranger to the reality of knowing that even with a power chair, she needs help for transfers and knows the shortcomings of the New Jersey transit system. She is grateful to finally be living independently in an apartment that she adores and she’s fought hard in recovery and therapies to retain the level of independence she has, and she wears it proudly. Woven through these milestones of hardship are also moments of triumph and remarkable generosity.

With creativity and strategy, Jane helped acquire a new Bingo machine for the nursing home where she resided at the time. After several years had passed and she had left the home, she raised $5,000 in conjunction with another company to get a new one, again! Her relentless determination allowed her to provide such a meaningful gift to these deserving residents, not once – but twice. To this day, despite her experiences there, she will make a point to go visit some of the residents and staff there. This is a testament to her kindness and intentionality, even in the aftermath of hardship.

While Jane has resolved to not let her circumstances define her, shown through every therapy appointment and every victory of independence, she is eager for rest. Due to her health circumstances, an overnight or long weekend trip is no longer a simple decision to make. It involves securing accessible transportation and medical equipment – a time and resource intensive process. For that reason, any trips she takes are usually just for the day and to places quickly accessible. There’s one place that particularly charmed Jane in 1988 with its idyllic streets, beautiful Victorian homes, and enchanting boardwalks – Cape May, New Jersey. She would love nothing more than to return.

For this go-getter, tough-cookie, and non-nonsense kind of gal, Wish of a Lifetime is thrilled to be providing a wish experience of much deserved comfort and peace. In [date TBD], Jane and her dear friend Peggy, whom she’s known for around 30 years will enjoy a scenic drive down to Cape May as the sound of each wave crashing against the shore informs Jane of her wish come true.

June 21, 2024

Thank you to Andy Williams for this coverage of my journey to get here. https://www.nj.gov/ooie/news/2024/06202024a.shtml

April 10, 2024

Updates!!

I will celebrate 6 YEARS of independence made possible through support from this community in October 2024.

I've upgraded to a spacious 2-bedroom apartment.

The support I've received over the years has allowed me to find ways to give back to my community and help others: I was able to champion the process of getting a new bingo machine for the AristaCare facility.

Take a look at the photos I've added to the 2024 News - Bingo and the local news coverage!

June 20, 2023

The summer art show are upon us this year I have 14 events scheduled for art show around Union county New Jersey.

They range from to metuchen to Cranford my major outdoor events.

I have 5 different in door events scheduled capping off with my alma maters mother seton who have always been my best supporters.

The summer season goes from April through December.

Thank you for the great help of Peggy Qualy and Elaine Alverez without there support it would have been a long hot summer.

April 20, 2023

In the years of my independence with over 3 years and counting I much to be thankful for.

I have successfully transitioned from the nursing home to living successfully in my own independent living apartment.

To help me along the way I have developed my adult coloring with permanent markers skills to the point where I’m now becoming recognized as a accomplished artist.

I’ve been working on my artwork for 8 years and counting and have grown into quite a successful artist.

My artwork has been recognized in the linden public library for over a year.

I’ve had my artwork displayed at Kessler Instute for rehabilitation.various craft fairs in the union county are.I’ve been recognized for the roselle park art festo be commissioned to do there official art poster for the festival which was quite an honor.

I’ve now progressed to the point where I’m entering juried art exhitions.

The latest being the union county senior artist competition.

The possibilities are endless.

My artwork has given me a new dimension in my life that I never dreamed possible.

This craft has become my passion and even after years of honing my craft I fell like each new piece brings me the same joy as if it was like the first picture I ever did way back in the beginning.

So I would like to thank everyone for your support and encouragement and hope to see you in person at one of art exhibits.

September 20, 2022

Special thanks to Morgan and the News 12 team for taking the time to share my story! https://newjersey.news12.com/new-jersey-artist-paralyzed-by-spinal-stroke-gets-special-tour-of-yankee-stadium

December 14, 2021

In the news! https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/linden/57742

August 25, 2021

On august 8 I returned to Yankee with my friend Peggy.w enjoyed a game against the Seattle Mariners.

Our seats were right behind home plate field level.

Thank you to the Yankees Cristina Campana who donated he handicap seats.

It was a great biofuels the game.

On September 19 I will return to Yankee stadium with 4 tickets to see the Yankees play the Cleveland Indians.this time I will take my sister and 2 friends from my high school mother seton.

The mvp tickets were won at the mother seton tricky tray.

As my independence continues to progress mylife is growing by leaps and bounds .

Enjoying a full unrestricted life.

August 22, 2021

As my quest for the ultimate in independence continues I returned to Kessler after my wounds of life had finally healed.

A big shout out to dr Zeitels of the Woundcare center with his extraordinary expertise helped healed my wounds finally after a 14 year saga of infection and problems.

I’m finally free to live my life free once and for all.

As I’ve returned to Kessler for further rehabilitation after the COVID-19 crisis a big shout to the staff with special support from Elizabeth and Maureen the best training group of special needs anyone could ask for.

At the present time I’m relearning how todo a transfer to gain even more independence.

My dream for total independence continue with hard work and a great attitude along with the help of the Kessler Instute staff.

My dream could not be possible without the great staff help and encouragement.

August 20, 2021

As my second year of independence approaches I’ve finally started to settle into my new lifestyle.

I’m enjoying the simple pleasures of life with time spent alone enjoying my artwork and time spent with friends and family.

It has been quite the journey but I’ve realized my dream of living independently successfully.

My apartment is lovely filled with my artwork and stained glass lamps.

I’ve finally made a nice home that I can call home.

As my new life progressed my artist talents of my adult coloring with permanent markers as really taken off to a successful endeavor.

So far I have done art shows in roselle park and mother seton and this year will be repeated.

In my hometown of linden I’m doing a art exhibit for the residents to see and possibly purchase a picture for a great cause.

In the near future a Facebook page will include my artwork for purchase

So the future loo Very promising as I continue my independence with a positive attitude.

November 26, 2020

As the date of October 16,2020 approached it was my one year anniversary of having successfully made the transition to my new apartment.

The transition was smooth with the help of my friends it took approximately 3 months to put the apartment together. It was no small task but I enjoyed every minute of it.

Leaving the nursing home was a major endeavor in itself.no one gave me a chance of successfully making the transition but here I am today over a year later living successfully in my own ada handicapped apartment.

I’ve made a new home for myself decorating walls with my artwork.

I love my home and feel very comfortable here.

This place called the apartment at saint Elizabeth has become my peaceful resting place that I had been yearning for for many decades.

Thank everyone who has supported me.

September 10, 2019

In my quest for independence I’m finally realizing my dream of getting a barrier free apartment called the apartments at st Elizabeth’s in my hometown of linden. It’s equipped with all the necessary equipment to live independently.

It has been a dream come true for me to leave the nursing home where I have been a resident for 13 long years.the time has come for my dream to become a reality.with your help I can make my dream come true.

August 20, 2018

HI everyone, Twilight Wish Foundation has granted my wish for a trip to Yankee Stadium. On September 15th, celebrating my 60th birthday, me and a friend will travel by van to Yankee stadium and attend the Yankees game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Included in the package are two Yankee Legend Suite seats, meeting with former Yankee players and an all you can eat buffet. This is a great gift and Ican't wait to get to Yankee Stadium.

And there's more... In November an old friend is taking me to see Elton John at Madison Square Garden. This is Sir John's final tour and I'm really glad that I will have the opportunity to see him live in New York.

Also, as I mentioned, I've started painting again and I will soon put some of my pictures up for auction. Details will follow soon.

Thank you

December 20, 2017

My campaign and art projects were featured in the latest Help Hope Live holiday Blog post! See it here: https://blog.helphopelive.org/2017/12/20/holiday-card-2017/

June 21, 2017

My story was featured on the Help Hope Live Blog! Check it out: https://blog.helphopelive.org/2017/06/15/jane-koza/

March 28, 2017

its been a long hard road but thanks to the generous donations of friends particularly to those of the Mother Seton Alumni the long awaited arrival of the Blue Opal Quickie Lite wheelchair will arrive today.

The new wheelchair will enhance my independence as well as physically and aesthetically.

I'm truly blessed by the outpouring of support in which I have received.

It's true you can go home again to MSR to the best days of my life.

I wish to thank all of my contributors once again for their generous support and donations.

February 5, 2017

at this point in time I would like to thank all of my friends for their generous donations towards the purchase of my new and much needed wheelchair.

At this time I have reached the monetary level of covering some of the cost of the wheelchair reaching close to the purchasing price.

Your heartfelt donations are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.

towards the wheelchair and my independence.

Thank you once again for your generosity.

January 23, 2017

Dear Friends,

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your past donations. I am asking you, once again, if you could find it in your hearts to continue your support to help me in purchasing a new wheelchair. I have reached the half way point but still need to raise $1000.00. This chair would help me to be more independent and functional.

Any amount would help!!! I thank you for your past and continued support! With greatest gratitude!!!!!

Donations can be made to HelpHopeLive

Sincerely

Jane Koza

January 12, 2017

NEW WHEELCHAIR DESPERATELY NEEDED

January 12, 2017

As the new year has begun I wish to thank my friends for their prayers and donations.

I appreciate each and every one.

A special shout out to the MSR alumni for all of your help.

The fund has allowed me to purchase medical necessities for which I couldn't afford on my own.

At this point in time I'm in desperate need of a new wheelchair for the present chair is worn out and lasts only 5 or 6 years.

My present chair is now 6 years old.

Any donation towards a new chair would be greatly appreciated.

I wish to thank you for everything that has been done to help the cause.

November 30, 2016

Many people are inclined to believe that your most formative years are that of your high school days. If that is the case I have been truly blessed to have spent my four years at Mother Seton Regional (MSR) in Clark. Looking back I can honestly say the best carefree and happiest days of my life. The setting and the feeling of togetherness made you feel as if you were somewhere special.

This is where I came into my own in the start of organized sports which included playing in basketball and softball. These were by far the days for laying the groundwork for a future in life and other future levels of organized sports.

At MSR being part of a team was something special and in or senior years winning championships in both basketball and softball. These were very rewarding moments of my life. I enjoyed every minute of those days. The good old days will never be forgotten.

Graduating in the bicentennial year of 1976 was one of the biggest highlights of my life,

November 30, 2016

As December arrives it has come to be my one year anniversary of my mammoth and very successful urinary diversion surgery. Finally after a decade of compromised health issues that nearly killed me on several occasions I'm finally enjoying health in sound mind and body with my only issue being a paraplegic.

As I enjoy my new found health I have realized that it has taken me a full year to recover and experience the pleasures of everyday life the world has to offer.

I have persevered through the hardest times and now it is my true believe that the future is limitless for me.

It has always been my goal and intention to leave this facility and become more independent.

With the new coming year I believe all is possible.

Thank you my friends for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

November 21, 2016

it has been a while since my last update but I'm happy to report great progress in my health as my one year anniversary approaches of my very successful massive urinary diversion surgery.

At this point I'm enjoying a sense of health and well being that I can enjoy the good quality of life that being healthy has afforded me.

It true if you don't have your health you don't have anything.

I thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers has it has greatly helped to improve my situation.

I wish you my friends a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.

March 11, 2016

just recently I recieved my 3 month check up after my mammoth urinary diversion surgery

The check up was great and the doctor was given the thumbs up as successful in his surgery

Periodically check ups with be performed but the hard part is over

March 11, 2016

just recently I started attending the Kessler wound care clinic to assist me in healing those nagging bedsores

The initial consultation was both informative and helpful.

I will be attending the clinic once a week until those issues are healed.

In essence I'm healing the wounds of life

March 11, 2016

On March 4th, the Tricky Tray Auction was held at MSR. The event was packed with alumni and guests! It was great to see some familiar faces and visit with old friends. The fundraiser was an astounding event for the school and myself. I was so deeply touched by the outpouring of support.

February 24, 2016

on Monday February 22 I finally went to Kessler for my long awaited mapping for the seat cushion.it was a awesome productive hour with much that was accomplished.

The cushion was computerized and mamped out the area for the compromised pressure sores.

The Kessler team was outstanding in their expertise in totally realigning the complete chair.

The cushion should arrive in a few weeks and I will return to Kessler one more time for the fitting of the cushion and chair.

Thank you all for your donations and continued support

January 8, 2016

tomorrow will be my one month anniversary of a new chapter of my life towards independence with urinary diversion surgery I had on

December 8th. The surgery was a complete success and couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

I'm recovering and healing up nicely with the hope of a new and improved healthy life.thank you for all of your prayers and support.

January 7, 2016

on January 13th I will finally be going to Kessler for the much anticipated mapping for the seat cushion. Wish me luck as I'm counting down the days of my new beginning.

A very happy new year to all

Thank you again for all of your heartfelt supports

November 24, 2015

My heartfelt thanks for all of your support! I've reached my initial goal and can now afford to purchase a customized wheelchair cushion from Aquila called sofTech (pictured below). My next goal is to raise funds to go to rehab post-surgery. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

September 10, 2024

2024

May 6, 2024

Abilities Expo - Seeing Help Hope Live