Joliet Woman Asking for Help After Injury Put Her Out of Work

Eight years ago Joliet resident Kristal Jean was in a bad motorcycle accident. Her friend’s boyfriend hid her body and left her for dead, but someone noticed her and called the police. Despite that, the accident was not life-shattering and she’s dealt with the pain. What did her in was a simple pillow fight with her daughter.

“I felt this immense pain and my back locked up,” Jean said.

She went to the hospital where doctors did an MRI to make sure she didn’t sever her spine. She had five herniated discs, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration and mild scoliosis as a result. She needs a complex surgery and can’t care for her daughter the way she’d like to. She used to be very active, but now she’s not.

Thankfully, she has medical coverage, but with being out of work since May due to her injuries, she doesn’t have a lot of money coming in and is asking for any help covering bills and other household expenses until she can get back into shape.

Jean isn’t used to asking people for money. In fact, setting up a GoFundMe campaign was a last resort for her. Jean’s mother was recently laid off and unable to help.

“For this to happen, it’s pretty hard,” Jean said. “I don’t want to seem like some pity case.”

To help with the campaign, Jean also will be raffling off two Rascal Flatts tickets for a Sept. 18 Tinley Park concert.

Photo: Kristal Jean and her daughter.