02/15/2025
Update February 15th, 2025
Time moves quickly for most of us. We get caught up in our own lives, our struggles, and our daily routines. But for our friend Jeren, time has slowed to a crawl. Every day is a battle.
It has been over three weeks since my last update, and Jeren has made significant progress. He is no longer fighting for his life. He is now breathing on his own. And that is nothing short of a miracle—one made possible by your prayers, the unwavering love of his family, and his own will to survive.
But the reality is harsh: Jeren suffered a severe brain injury. The Jeren we once knew may never fully return. Right now, he is in a state where even the most basic functions—walking, talking, eating—have to be relearned from scratch.
His mother has been his rock through it all. She has been at his bedside every moment, guiding him through the smallest yet most significant victories.
Communication & Awareness: He is slowly becoming more responsive. Though his eyes still hold a distant look, he is beginning to react to familiar voices. When his mother tells him someone is visiting, he can squeeze your finger in recognition. When I visited last, I wasn’t sure he recognized me, but when I brought his close friend, comedian Josh Muise, there was a spark of excitement. This gives us hope—hope that Jeren still remembers, still knows the people who love him.
Motor Skills & Coordination: His mother has been working with him to regain basic movements. He is learning to open and close his eyes on command. She places a rolled-up facecloth in his hands, guiding him to pass it back and forth. This simple act helps rebuild muscle memory and coordination.
Speech & Cognition: The only word he can currently say is “Momma.” To help him practice forming sounds, his mother cups her hand over his mouth and moves it back and forth, just like when we were kids pretending to talk through vibrations.
Eating & Swallowing: Since he cannot eat solid food yet, his mother uses a moistened sponge to encourage him to chew, reminding him that he needs to regain this ability so he can enjoy his favorite meal—Jollibee’s chicken. Hearing her say this, he tries to chew. Small steps, but significant ones.
Despite these milestones, his recovery remains uncertain. His cognitive function is still unclear, and doctors don’t know how much he will regain. Some days he seems aware; other days, he appears lost. There is still a long road ahead.
The Police Investigation
Jeren’s attack was brutal. The individuals responsible left him for dead. As he fights for his life, the justice system continues its slow process.
For weeks, police restricted visitor access to Jeren as they gathered evidence. Now, I’ve been informed that all suspects have been arrested and charged with attempted murder. However, like so many cases, they have already been released back onto the streets, awaiting trial. There is no justice for victims of violence.
For those of you who have asked, the police file number is: #240934855
How You Can Help Jeren
Jeren’s mother wants to bring him home to Montreal, where he can continue recovery surrounded by family and friends. Unfortunately, the government does not cover the cost of medical transport. The financial burden falls entirely on his family.
This is where we come in.
If you can donate—even a small amount—it will help cover the cost of getting Jeren home. Every dollar brings him one step closer to a place where he can heal.
Donate here:
https://gofund.me/48dc857d
To those who contributed to [email protected], I cannot thank you enough. Your generosity will help bring Jeren Home. A special thank you to:
Brendan Washbern – $50
Sean Rampersad – $100
Brandon Haggerty – $50
Keaton Boyce-Babb – $200
Tim Kubasek – $275
Together, you raised $675, which has been donated under Laughing Bandits so you can verify your generosity is helping get Jeren home.
Another Friend in Need: Helping Josh Care for His Mother
As Jeren fights to recover, another friend—Josh Muise—is facing an unimaginable challenge.
In 2022, Josh’s mother was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma and given just 18 months to live. That time is now running out. Her health has declined rapidly, and she now requires 24-hour care.
Josh, always the loving son, left his job to become her full-time caregiver. He does everything—managing her medications, helping her move, and ensuring she is comfortable in these final days. But the burden on him is overwhelming.
There is no government assistance for caregivers like him. He is doing his best to care for his mother while also supporting his own family of three. But EI alone is not enough to survive.
Josh is carrying this weight alone—but he shouldn’t have to.
If you can spare anything, please consider helping Josh in this difficult time.
Donate here:
https://gofund.me/d425fac4
Community Means Everything
These are two incredibly deserving people who need our support. Whether you can donate, share these links, or simply keep them in your thoughts—it all makes a difference.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for caring. ❤️
